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1. Condos are easy to maintain. In a condo, you will most likely not have to worry about the grounds or the exterior of the structure.

2. With a condo, like an apartment, you have a built in social option of close neighbors. Unlike a rented apartment, you are likely to have other owners surrounding you which offers more stability and common ground.

3. Resale of your condo if you out grow it … investors are always looking at townhomes and condominiums for rental property. Unlike houses, the investment is often more manageable.

4. Amenities … often condo units come with amenities as extensive as tennis courts, swimming pools, a workout area, or a clubhouse. These are things in a house you would have to add yourself or join a club to get the same benefits.

5. Flexibility with design. Buying a home and facing redecorating can be a daunting task; however, a condo offers the same chance to play with design but on a much less overwhelming scale.

6. Location. If you are interested in being in a district where property is at a premium, condominiums are a good choice. Condominium units are frequently found in downtown areas and offer owners the best of ownership and location at a more affordable price.

Tags: Savannah Home Finder, USA Homes by Suzy Buelvas
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Knowing the type of mortgage you are best suited for is the first step in having your dream home.Because buying a home is a huge undertaking, having the basic understanding of any agreements you sign gives you the power to make the best decisions. Finally, you simply cannot afford to skip having a good independent home inspection. Watch out for these three mistakes:

Choose the Right Mortgage for You. Choosing the best type of mortgage is the first and most important task. Whether fixed rate or adjustable, short or long term, the answer will depend on some very personal decisions you’ll have to make. Your financial priorities will dictate these choices. You may need a lower monthly payment, or you may enjoy having the option to qualify for a loan easier by taking a higher one. Take the time to decide how long you plan to live in the home, and when you’ll be comfortable putting it back on the market when the need arises.

Know the “Terms” of the Agreement. The term pre-approval is generally a document from a lender, which certifies that they have reviewed your financial stability. They specifically look at your assets, credit and income. The term pre-qualified means that the lender has approved you for a specific loan amount. Knowing the difference between these two terms can save you a huge headache. Lenders use these terms interchangeably, and for some, the weight these processes are given may be based on certain conditions a homebuyer must meet. Make sure you know the exact steps to qualify for a loan. Ask the lender how they define their terms in any contract you sign.

Don’t Forget the Home Inspection. Having the home inspected before you buy it will make you feel a lot safer with your purchase, and probably save money in the end. While you may know what your home should look like, an Independent inspector’s eyes are trained to reveal the secrets that every home hides. The roof may need work and furnace may need cleaning. If you know these things up front, you are ahead in the game. Having the purchase of your new home subject to an Independent inspection is crucial for a clever home buyer.

Buying a new home can be tricky for the first-time buyer, and there are lessons that you will never forget. By following these tips, you will be secure in the fact that you made the process easier for yourself and your family. Now that you are armed with this information, you have a better understanding of 3 things that can either turn your home buying experience into a nightmare, or an event for which you can be proud.

Tags: Savannah Home Finder, USA Homes by Suzy Buelvas
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Your preferred location needs to be thought of in several ways. Are you comfortably close the places you frequent … work, school, other family members? Is the neighborhood old and established with mature landscaping or is it new and trendy? Do the neighbors own the homes surrounding your dream house or do most of them rent the property? What about the location of the house on the property … is the house close to busy cross streets? A high traffic area? Is the house set so far back on the lot that you would have a shallow back yard and no room to install a pool or basketball hoop? There is so much to consider when looking at the location of your house in terms of the city but also consider location in terms of the property lines.

One of the best investments in your life… the house is more than a home for your family. The house is a large financial investment that could pay great dividends years later. Make sure you interview mortgage companies, banks, loan agencies and know your financial ability to handle your loan. Be sure your choice is the home you want to be in for at least three to five years if you expect any financial return for this investment. The longer you stay put with a fixed rate mortgage, the better your end result will be when the choice is a solid one.

What kind of community do you want to become a part of? Is it the organic coffee house and health food store neighborhood you want to wake up to? Is it the sleepy dead end streets tucked back off major roads that make you feel far away? Is it the busy streets with city traffic and noisy neighbors? Spend time in this new neighborhood before you make a choice. Visit the neighborhood on Saturday mornings, are families out in the yard together? Are neighbors meeting in the street to talk about the events in their lives? Is the coffee house full of pajama clad bed heads looking for an organic scone? Where do you want to be? Spend time during different hours of the day and week riding through the neighborhoods you think you want to buy in and see if the feeling fits you and your family’s lifestyle.

These are just a few things to consider when moving to a new home. It is a major decision and not one to take lightly. In the midst of all the legal and financial discussions, remember some of these things too and consider where you will be spending your down time. It will make all the difference in the world for your quality of life! Happy Fall House Hunting!

Tags: Savannah Home Finder, USA Homes by Suzy Buelvas
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