Homebuyers Guide
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HOMEBUYERS GUIDE
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7 tips for first-time homebuyers
BY ELLA BRONAUGH INTERN
One of the most challenging milestones in one’s life is buying a home for the first time. The number of housing options, alone, can be overwhelming for those who are new to the process. But with the economy improving, there are many opportunities for investing in the housing market, and the timing could hardly be better for first-time homebuyers. In light of this, a few local real estate agents recently offered seven tips for new homebuyers to help guide them into the world of real estate investment.
Look for a resellable house.
“The odds of living in your first home for the rest of your life are low,” said Lee Cross of
Cross Realty. “You have to think big picture. Make sure the house you buy will be marketable and resellable within the next five to 10 years.” “A tough sell is a house on a main road or a railroad track in the backyard,” said Kathy Worthen of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “Make sure the area is going up in value,” said Billy Chorey Sr. of Chorey and Associates Realty. “Purchase property in a neighborhood that’s going to appreciate in value.”
Billy Chorey
Chorey and Associates Realty
Create a budget and stick to it.
“Before starting, look and make sure your finances are in order,” said Cross. “You don’t want to have to stretch to make your house payment. Try hard to only look in your price range.
Don’t look any higher; it’s just not a realistic comparison, and it will lead to a lot of heartburn.” “First, talk to a good lender and see what properties you qualify for from a financial standpoint, and if you can afford a house at all,” Chorey warned.
Kathy Worthen
Lee Cross
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Take notes.
“Look for what’s a perfect match for the buyer,” Worthen said. “One person’s trash is another’s treasure. Make a list of what’s important to you, so you know from the get-go what are your must-haves and what you
Cross Realty
can do without.” “You should also make a pros and cons list, but keep an open mind. Write notes for what you liked and what you didn’t like about each house,” Cross added. See BUYING, 8
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BY ELLA BRONAUGH INTERN
There are a lot of considerations to make when thinking about selling a house. From the complexity of getting to the closing table to the tedious work of keeping your home neat, sellers often find themselves looking for all of the help they can get. Three local real estate agents recently offered their top seven tips on how to make homebuying an easier process.
Make your house look good.
“Focus on staging and curb appeal,” advised Kathy Worthen of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “Curb appeal is probably the No. 1 consideration. In drive-bys, if buyers don’t like what they see, they won’t call to see the rest. The first impression you make is incredible.” Billy Chorey Sr. of Chorey and Associates Realty agreed. “Make it as presentable as possible,” he said. “Some people take items to storage units to make more room and to make the house look larger.” “It can be a lot like selling your car,” added Lee Cross of Cross Realty. “You have to wash it, wax it, make it look good on the market and put time in it to get results.”
Make sure the price is right.
“The biggest thing is to set the correct price,” Chorey said. “The key is to make sure your home is
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priced correctly with context of the given market, based on how much the other homes in the area are selling for.” “Buyers are very savvy,” Worthen added. “Make sure you look at data and have done tons of research. With the economic downturn and people getting into financial trouble, buyers are making sure they’re getting a fair price and that they don’t overpay — even more so than in the past.”
Take advantage of the Internet.
“The vast majority of buyers use the Internet to find homes,” Cross said. “It’s vital that you make the home look really good online. We show buyers significantly fewer houses now, as they rule more houses out online with pictures.” “Oftentimes buyers are looking for a way to eliminate a home, so they’ll shop online before they physically go look at the house,” Cross said. “It’s tough to sell your home without the Internet.” “Buyers do lots of research on the Internet before looking at a house,” Worthen noted. “Make sure you have a good picture online and you present well.”
Find a good agent.
“Get three opinions from highly respected people who sell houses,” Worthen suggested. “Pick agents that live in the community and sell property in
the area.” “Look for what qualifications or designations they have,” Chorey said. “It’s useful to see whose signs are on lawns, and which signs say “sold” on them. You want to look for who’s active.”
Negotiate effectively.
“Know what buyers are typically asking for,” Worthen suggested. “Be realistic with what’s
happening in the market location. Buyers will usually want 3-percent closing cost and only $1,000 earnest money down. Sellers should have realistic expectations.”
Know your house.
“Buyers have to be aware if a house has lead-based paint or any other possible hazards,” Chorey warned. “There are a whole lot of disclosures you
have to include.”
Take care of the little things.
“Make sure the little things are fixed so they don’t lead to big things psychologically,” Chorey said. “Make sure every little thing is working. Often if they see that the doorbell is broken, they will wonder what else is wrong with the house.”
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How to save for a down payment
A home is the most costly thing many people will ever buy. The process of buying a home can be both exciting and nervewracking. One way to make the process of buying a home go more smoothly is to save enough money to put down a substantial down payment. Saving for a down payment on a home is similar to saving for other items, only on a far grander scale. Many financial planners and real estate professionals recommend prospective homebuyers put down no less than 20 percent of the total cost of the home they’re buying. Down payments short of 20 percent will require private mortgage insurance, or PMI. The cost of PMI depends on a host of variables, but is generally between 0.3 and 1.5 percent of the original loan amount.
While plenty of homeowners pay PMI, buyers who can afford to put down 20 percent can save themselves a considerable amount of money by doing so. Down payments on a home tend to be substantial, but the following are a few strategies prospective home buyers can employ to grow their savings with an eye toward making a down payment on their next home. 4Decide when you want to buy. The first step to buying a home begins when buyers save their first dollar for a down payment. Deciding when to buy can help buyers develop a saving strategy. If buyers decide they want to buy in five years away, they will have more time to build their savings. If buyers want to buy within a year, they will need to
save more each month, and those whose existing savings fall far short of the 20-percent threshold may have to accept paying PMI. 4Prequalify for a mortgage. Before buyers even look for their new homes, they should first sit down with a mortgage lender to determine how much a mortgage they will qualify for. Prequalifying for a mortgage can make the home buying process a lot easier, and it also can give first-time buyers an idea of how much they can spend. Once lenders prequalify prospective buyers, the buyers can then do the simple math to determine how much they will need to put down. For example, preapproval for a $300,000 loan means buyers would have to put down See PAYMENT, 8
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How to transform a fixer-upper
The real estate market will always have its ups and downs, but real estate is an oft-profitable investment. Real estate investors do their investing for various reasons. Some see a house as a place to hang their hats for years and years, while others look at properties as nothing more than investments. Buying a home with the intent to fix it up and resell it is called a “fix and flip.” In such situations, investors buy homes at below-market prices before refurbishing the homes with the goal of recouping their initial investment and then some when the homes are ultimately put back on the market. Flipping has become popular for both expert remodelers and novice investors. RealtyTrac, a source for housing data, noted in its “Year-End and Q4 2015 U.S. Home Flipping” report that 5.5 percent of all single family home and condo sales during the year were flipped properties. This marked an increase from the same time the previous year. Investing in a fixer-upper requires a leap of faith and a vision of what the home can
look like in the future. Turning a real estate lemon into lemonade requires certain skills and a good measure of patience. Following are some guidelines to get anyone started. 4Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Make an honest assessment of your abilities and which renovations, if any, you can handle. If you are unskilled or inexperienced working with your hands, then it can be easy for an investment property to quickly become a money pit. Before purchasing a property, hire a trained home inspector to tour the home with you and point out all of the areas that will need renovation. With this list, begin getting estimates on how much money the work will entail. Determine if this fits with your budget or not. You do not want to invest so much that it exceeds what you could feasibly recoup when it comes time to sell. 4Overlook cosmetic things when visiting properties. Cosmetic issues include all of the easily replaceable items in a home, such as carpeting, appliances, interior paint colors and cabinetry. Focus on the bones
of the house — the architectural integrity and those little touches that you envision having a “wow” factor. 4Seek the help of experts. Some flippers think they’ll save the most money by doing all of the work themselves. This isn’t always the case. Professional architects, designers and contractors may help you save money. Contractors have an intimate knowledge of where to buy materials and may be able to negotiate prices based on wholesale or trade costs. In addition, experts can help you avoid common pitfalls because they’ve already done this type of work time and again. It’s smart to rely on expert advice, even if it means investing a little bit more. 4Save money by doing some work yourself. While the pros may tackle the more complex parts of a given project, such as rewiring electricity or changing the footprint of a home, you can still be involved. Ask to participate in demolition, such as taking down walls or removing old materials from the home. Such participation may be fun, and it can save you
substantial amounts of money on labor. 4Recognize that not everything must be completely redone. Realize that, in some instances, a coat of paint and some new accents may be all you need to transform a space. For example, if kitchen cabinets are in good condition, see
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if they can be refaced or painted, instead of replaced entirely. Install new door pulls/handles to add visual interest. Look for some ready-made items, such as bookshelves, instead of installing custom carpentry. 4Think about what the buyer See TRANSFORM, 9
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Growing trends in today’s homes with matte finishes have been available for several years, even less expensive models are now available. 4Smarter technology: Many homeowners are embracing smart technology throughout their homes, but it’s not just lights that turn on with voice command or more efficient thermostats. Innovative technology includes toilets that can autonomously stay clean and sanitized, refrigerators equipped with cameras so homeowners can see the contents inside and indoor food recyclers that can turn food waste into fertilizer. Staying abreast of the everchanging trends in home improvement and real estate can help consumers make the best choices with regard to buying and building their homes. — Metro Creative Services
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The following are some trends that are helping to steer the real estate market further. 4Smaller homes: Home sizes in the United States steadily increased for decades, eventually leading to an average of 2,453 square feet in 2014, according to U.S. Census figures. However, Realtor.com reported in 2015 that new construction homes have already begun to shrink by 40 square feet. There seems to be a slight trend toward more modest homes as people consider affordability and maintenance on larger properties. The National Association of Home Builders states buyers are now looking for smaller, more livable homes with flexible floor plans, energy-efficient appliances and plenty of storage space. 4Matte finishes: Stainless steel and luster have been popular for years. However, the next big thing is matte finishes on faucets, appliances and even in countertops. These less-flashy finishes are prized for their warmth and elegance. While some high-end models
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Although the real estate boom of the early 2000s has not quite returned, things look positive. In the United States, 1,226,000 new homes were built in 2016, according to data from Consumer Reports. That was the most since 2007. Resales also have been more promising. The National Association of Realtors says the median number of days a home was on the market in April 2017 reached a new low of 29 days. However, low supply levels did stanch existing home sales somewhat. By mid-2017, the market was a seller’s market, with more people in the market for homes than properties available. But sales during that time were still outpacing sales figures from a year prior. Low interest rates on mortgages and more confidence in the economy has driven many people to make improvements to their existing homes. As is typical, the things homeowners are looking for in 2017 have evolved from years past.
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Making a family move easier
Whether or not to relocate can be a difficult decision. Sometimes such decisions are borne out of necessity when a parent is relocated by his or her company. Other times it is a personal choice to try out a new neighborhood or upgrade to a larger home. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates a stable annual rate of moving hovering at around 12 percent of the population since 2008. Whatever the reason behind a move, it can take some time to adjust to both the idea of moving and the new living space — especially for children, who may feel disconnected from the decision. The following tips can make the transition a little easier for families.
Talk about it
Do not blindside children with a move. Begin having conversations as a family as soon as the possibility of moving arises. Involve the children in some of the decisions. Ask
about the features they want to see in their new home. Explain that people — prospective buyers, real estate agents or movers — will be visiting your current home and that this may be a little disruptive. Talk about the reasons for the move, such as a new job or that the family has outgrown the space. Kids can process much more than many adults give them credit for.
Discuss any concerns
Children may have concerns about the move that differ from those of the adults. Many of these concerns may pertain to fears about making new friends or coursework at a new school. Let them voice their opinions. Removing some of the mysteries by visiting schools or local hangouts before the move is made can assuage some fears.
Create some familiarity
Set aside boxes or bins that
will house kids’ toys or things the family recognizes. These may include photographs, games, throw blankets or the creature comforts of home. Make these the first items that are unpacked upon moving into the new house.
Use the agent as a resource
Many real estate agents live in the towns where they make their living. Find out if the agent can set up a meet-andgreet or if he or she knows of any clubs or leagues that suit your family’s interests. Making a few introductions ahead of time will give children and adults some familiar faces on their first days in their new home. Families shouldn’t shy away from making their own introductions, as well. Knocking on a few neighbors’ doors and letting them know a new family is coming to the street can pave the way for familiarity and friendships. See MOVE, 9
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Buying: Tips for first-timers
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Payment: Start saving
Continued from page 2
Continued from page 4
Get an agent.
$60,000 to meet the 20-percent down payment threshold. In that example, buyers could put down less than $60,000, but they would then have to pay PMI. It’s important for buyers to understand that a down payment is not the only cost they will have to come up with when buying a home. Closing costs and other fees will also need to be paid by the buyers. 4Examine monthly expenses. Once buyers learn how much mortgage they will qualify for, they can then see how close they are to buying a home. But prospective buyers of all means can save more each month by examining their monthly expenses and looking for ways to save. Buyers can begin by looking over their recent spending hab-
“Get an agent as well, especially for first-time homebuyers, as they don’t know what questions to ask when seeing a home,” Cross said. “Your agent will be in your corner working for you.” “Pick an agent to walk you through the process and help with the steps,” Worthen added. “They’re a professional guide that will help give you data and make decisions.”
Do your homework.
“Make sure you do your homework,” Cross said. “Have home inspections and make sure to check out the house. Be knowledgeable about what’s going on. Virginia is a Buyers Beware state, so you have to be accountable.” “Be informed,” Worthen added.
“Buyers should be savvy. They have to exercise due diligence. Talk to next-door neighbors and visit next-door neighbors.”
you can buy. More buildings are being built, more businesses are coming to town, and there are tax advantages.”
Get out there.
Compare apples to apples.
“Get out there and buy something while the market hasn’t quite picked up,” Worthen said. “There are so many different advantages. Some cities have first-time homebuyer grant money. Since the interest rates are going up, there’s a decrease on the prices of houses
“First, look at the neighborhood appearance — if the homes are well kept,” Chorey suggested. “Find a good agent, and make sure the houses will keep their value. You don’t want to overpay. Make sure the homes are in line with the other homes in the area.”
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its and then seeing where they can spend less. Cutting back on luxuries and other unnecessary spending can help buyers get closer to buying their next home. 4Avoid risky investments. Sometimes it’s great to take risks when investing, but risk should be avoided when saving for a down payment on a home. Traditional vehicles like certificates of deposit and savings accounts can ensure the money buyers are saving for their homes is protected and not subject to market fluctuations. Saving enough to make a down payment on a home can be accomplished if buyers stay disciplined with regard to saving and make sound financial decisions. — Metro Creative Solutions
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Did you know?
Real estate agents help buyers and sellers through the often-complicated process of navigating the real estate market. Individuals not only want to find an agent with expertise, but also one with whom they have a strong rapport. By asking agents certain questions up front, prospective homebuyers and sellers can find the right real estate agent for their needs and save time and money in the process. The following tips can help buyers and sellers find the right agent. 4Find out how long the agent has been in the business, including how many homes he or she turns over on average. Think about using an agent who is a full-time real estate professional, rather than one who only dabbles part-time. 4Consider which geographic areas the agent handles. It’s best to find an agent who is familiar with a particular town, city or even subdivision. 4Assess the agent’s personality and ability to remain calm under pressure. He or she can then extend that placid demeanor on to buyers or sellers who may be feeling stressed by the prospect of home ownership.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2017 | 9
Transform: Fixer-uppers Continued from page 5
wants and not what you want. Renovate with an eye toward prospective buyers’ needs. Keep things neutral and accommodating. Research the latest trends to understand what buyers might be seeking in a home. You want potential buyers to envision themselves
moving right in. Renovating a fixer-upper takes time, but it can be a worthwhile project and one that can help anyone turn a profit in a booming real estate market. — Metro Creative Services
Move: Help kids adjust Continued from page 7
Stay in touch
Encourage children to stay in touch with their current friends. Video chat enables kids to see and speak with peers. When things settle after the move, arrange for a surprise play date where children can introduce their old friends to newer ones.
Stick to a routine
One of the ways to breed familiarity is to stick to the same routine. If a big Sunday family dinner was the norm,
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continue the tradition in your new home. Wake in the morning and go to bed at the same time. Structure and routine are keys for children. Try to focus on one new thing at a time to minimize stress. Moving can be exciting and scary at the same time. Children may be anxious about the process, but families can work together to iron out the kinks and settle into their new homes successfully. — Metro Creative Solutions
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Improvements that increase home value
When granite countertops or shiny, stainless steel appliances beckon homeowners from the display areas of home improvement stores, it’s tempting to gear remodeling thoughts toward the items that will add flair and decorative appeal to a home. Even though most improvements add some measure of value, deciding which are the best investments can be difficult. Return on investment, often referred to as “ROI,” varies depending on the project. Frequently, the projects that seem like the best investments don’t bring the greatest rate of return, while those that seem like smaller projects bring substantial returns. Real estate professionals routinely weigh in with their expert advice, and homeowners can couple that advice with Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Index” to reap the greatest financial impact from their renovations. The following were some of the projects that garnered the greatest ROI in 2015. 4Open the door to improvement. Region by region across
the United States, installation of a new steel door on the front of a home can have a large impact on the resale value of a property. The ROI ranges from 123 percent at the highest, to 86 percent at the lowest — which is still a considerable investment return for such a simple project. Match the door’s style with the style of the house for the best value. 4Turn up the kitchen heat. An attractive kitchen can encourage buyers to overlook some of a home’s less attractive components. In the kitchen, replacement countertops, wall color changes, new cabinetry and flooring offer the biggest ROI. 4Dreaming of a new bedroom. Remodeling magazine also points to creating an attic bedroom to increase home value. The ROI of an attic remodel that adheres to code can garner an 83-percent ROI. 4Home maintenance projects. There’s little good to improving the aesthetic appeal and functionality of a home if there are existing structural or maintenance issues, warn experts. Siding replacement, HVAC
system repair or replacement, a new roof, and basement dampness prevention solutions can be smarter investments before other flashy remodels. Many buyers have a strict budget for a house, and those buyers may be more likely to buy a house with little or no
maintenance issues. Such buyers will then upgrade the kitchen or baths themselves, according to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. 4Worthy window replacement. Angie’s List, a home services review and referral resource, has found that the aver-
age ROI of new windows is 77 percent. The cost of installation and energy savings tend to offset at around the 10-year point. If remodeling is on the horizon, homeowners should give strong consideration to ROI before choosing a project. — Metro Creative Solutions
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