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| Avoiding Obstacles on Your Path to Home Ownership |
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The path to home ownership isn’t always a smooth one. That’s why working with a first time homebuyer specialist is a good idea. I’ll offer guidance and suggestions and use my expertise to keep you on track to find your first Pittsburgh home. Below are some of the most common mistakes made by buyers who don’t work with an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR):
- Not understanding the local market and the types of housing available
- Not making a list of priorities, in order to screen listings
- Skipping pre-approval and wasting time looking at unaffordable homes
- Not understanding pricing structure and the value of specific amenities
- Weak negotiating skills
- Failing to schedule relevant inspections
- Looking for a “perfect” home
- Listening to unprofessional advice from friends, relatives and co-workers
- Not researching the surrounding neighborhood
- Working with an agent and/or lender who is not experienced in dealing with first time homebuyers.
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Learn Why These Buyers Wish They Had Worked With Me
They Could Have Saved $30,000
I recently worked with a young couple who had purchased a rural property approx. 4 years ago. With a new addition to the family, they decided to sell their home and buy a larger one in a more suburban area. All was going well - they quickly found a home they loved and were very excited about purchasing it. We put their house on the market and found a buyer. During the inspection process, their private septic system failed the dye test. Township and county officials became involved, more testing was done at the owner's expense and the end result: the septic system could not be repaired. A replacement system would cost over $30,000. The couple could not afford to replace the system and buy their new dream house.
When all this happened, I asked the young couple: Why didn't you have the system tested when you bought the house 4 years ago? Didn't your realtor advise you to make your offer contingent upon a septic test? The answers were no and no. They were first time home buyers who didn't know anything about septic systems. They worked with a real estate agent but were not advised to have the system tested. The moral of the story: all real estate agents are not the same. Make sure you work with one who will look out for YOUR best interests, not their next commission check.
They Could Have Saved Money AND Aggravation
Another young couple had an uncle "in construction". When asked if they wanted to have a home inspection done, they said their uncle would look at the property and let them know if they should buy it. He looked over the house - said everything was in pretty good shape so they waived the inspections. The couple moved in. The first time it rained - the basement flooded. While repairing the basement, contractors discovered a termite infestation that included structural damage. Same moral as above: Be careful - love and respect your family but make sure to surround yourself with professionals when you buy your first home! |
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Gayle Blonar
Northwood Realty Services
724-344-4795 (cell)
724-941-3344 (office)
Ext. 125
Email Me!
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