Buying A Home

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions most people will make in their life.   You want to make sure that you make a good buying decision based on accurate information.  At Chincoteague Resort Realty, we know the market well and can help you navigate through the many channels of purchasing a vacation rental or second home.

When buying a new home, there are a few things to consider:

· Should I purchase a second home or a vacation rental home?

· What's the difference?

· How much income does this vacation rental home produce?

· Once I find a home to purchase, what do I need to do next?

· How much cash do I need at closing?

· How do I obtain a mortgage loan?

 

Before You Begin Your Search

Make an Amenities List: Decide what features are most important to you in a home. By establishing your criteria, you will save time shopping for homes that do not meet your needs. Also, consider what locations you are interested in. When making an amenities list, determine which criteria you absolutely cannot live without and which ones you are willing to budge on.

Some typical criteria may include:

· Price range

· Amenities, listed by highest priority

· Location

· Age

· Number of Bedrooms & Bathrooms

· Pools

Beginning Your Search

Now that you have determined what you are looking for in a home, it is time to begin your active search for homes that interest you. Based on your criteria that you provide your REALTOR®, he/she will be able to search their listing database for homes that meet your needs.

While visiting properties that are on the market, compare homes. Every home is unique! Even if every home you visit has all of the main criteria you are looking for, each will have different characteristics. Bring your Amenities Checklist with you to all homes that you visit. Check off which features each house has. Make notes on each home of what you like and dislike.

Additional things to consider when touring homes:
  •  Cost of upkeep and utilities
  •  Amount of maintenance required
  •  Cost of updating or decorating
  •  Homeowner's dues
  •  Management fees

    • Taking notes and using your checklist will help you later when you can sit down and compare properties. By comparing notes, this will help to prevent you from making an emotional and impulsive decision.

 

Making an Offer

Once you have found your dream home, it is time to prepare an offer to purchase.  Have your agent compare prices for similar homes that have sold in the area recently. This will help you to determine a reasonable price to offer.

In addition to the selling price, the other items to include in the terms of the Offer to Purchase include:

· The amount of earnest money (deposit) to offer.

· Concessions that you want the seller to make, such as a carpet or paint allowance, or payment towards the closing costs.

· Home inspection contingencies.

· Financing contingencies.

· A clear definition as to what is to be included with the home, such as appliances or window treatments.

· A closing date.

Don't be surprised if your initial offer is not accepted.  It our job to get a meeting of the minds, fairly and honestly.  Let's face it -- buyers don't want to pay full price and sellers don't want less than full price.  So there is a middle ground!

Closing the Deal

Once your offer has been accepted, it is time to work on the final details of purchasing your home. There are several tasks that will need to be accomplished during this phase of the sales transaction:

Home Inspection: Arrange to have a professional come out to inspect your home. They are able to spot electrical, plumbing, and structural problems that may not be noticeable to you at first glance. The home inspection is not required, but it is in your best interest to have one done on the home so that you do not receive any surprises once you move in. This is an expense incurred by the buyer and is included in your closing costs.

You may also need to get a pest inspection on the property to make sure there is no structural damage to the property caused by termites.

Chincoteague Resort Realty can help you set up all inspections. 

Apply For A Loan: Once an offer has been accepted, you will need to contact your mortgage specialist to officially apply for a loan.

Items that you will need for your loan application include:

· W-2s and/or tax returns from the past 2 years.

· Proof of gross monthly income for the past 30 days.

· Proof of investment income, including rental incomes.

· A list of creditors, including account numbers, balances, and monthly payments.

· Two months worth of banking statements.

The Final Walkthrough: Prior to closing, you should be given access to the house so that you can walk through and give it a final inspection. This should be done as close to the closing date as possible, preferably on the morning of the closing proceedings. When you go to do your final walkthrough, your home inspector will not be with you. It is your responsibility to inspect the home and ensure that everything meets your approval.

Things to look for during your walkthrough:

· The seller has repaired items included on the purchase agreement.

· The house is in "as-was" condition (everything is in the same condition as it was when you signed the purchase agreement).

· The house is vacant and clean. The home does not have to be spotless, but there should be no remaining trash or junk left behind in the house or in the yard.

· Tenants have moved out prior to your closing unless you have agreed for them to stay.

Closing: Usually at the time an offer is accepted, or after you have a commitment from your lender, a date and time will be arranged for your closing. The closing procedures will be handled by an attorney of your choosing. The day before, you will be told the total dollar amount you will need to bring to closing by the closing attorney. They will also provide you with any additional information you may need to prepare yourself for the proceedings.

On the day of closing, remember to bring:

· A certified check for the total amount of your closing costs.

· A picture ID, such as a driver's license.

· Your personal checkbook.

· Evidence of mortgage insurance (if this information has not already been requested).

During the closing, details of the sales contract will be explained to you. If everything meets your approval, you will sign the contracts to finalize the deal. Congratulations! You are now a new homeowner!!!!!!

 


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Patty Woodhurst, Associate Broker, Co-Owner
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