Wednesday, August 14, 2013

4 Tips for Buying a Harbor Country Home Now!


It’s an exciting time in Harbor Country as we near the end of summer and anticipate the beautiful fall season.  It’s also a time when there’s lots of activity as buyers want to make a purchase before the busy fall season.  New homes are coming on the market in New Buffalo, Harbert, Union Pier, Three Oaks and other towns along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

If you’re considering buying a home in Harbor Country; now is a great time to do so!  Mortgage rates are still low, and with their continuing upward swing, waiting to buy can be costly.  Of course you’ll want to weigh the decision carefully and have an experienced Harbor Country Real Estate agent by your side each step of the way.

Here are a few key things you’ll want to remember as you prepare to buy a home within the next few months.

1. Look past curb appeal- Summer and early fall is a great time for sellers as their home is being shown in the best light possible.  Budding flowers, lush trees and green grass set the stage for a home to show well.  Buyers see beautiful curb appeal and can instantly fall in love with the appearance of the home and its charming setting.  Yet, it’s important to look past curb appeal and focus on what’s going on inside the home.  Take note of any major updates or repairs you’ll have to do to make the home move in ready and take those factors into serious consideration.

2. Act quickly- On average, 30-40% of homes sell in the summer months.  And, as we begin to approach the fall, there will be buyers who want to be settled into their new home before the holiday season. This means that competition is tight.  If there’s a great home that fits your style, budget and your wants; move quickly or someone else will!  Of course you still want to weigh the decision carefully and talk with your Harbor Country Real Estate agent, but delays can lead to bidding wars or someone snatching up the home first. 

3. Have your financials in order- Because you’ll need to act quickly on a Harbor Country home this time of year, you’ll want to be sure to have your financials in order. This means being pre approved and making sure you’re prepared with a down payment.

4. Don’t be fooled by nice weather- A dry summer can hide a moisture problem in a home.  Look for clues of excessive moisture by checking the ceiling and walls for water marks.  Mildew is also another sign of moisture issues and will need to be dealt with immediately. You’ll naturally want a home inspection before purchasing the home, but these are a few clues to look for when viewing the home for the first time as they can tip you off to potential issues.

As a team of Harbor Country Real Estate agents and advisors here at Shoreline Property Advisors, we would be happy to talk with you more about your home buying needs!  

Please feel free to contact us today to get started in your Harbor Country home search!

Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff

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