Which Home is Right For Me?

What is the Most Efficient Way to Start My Home Search?

As a potential real estate buyer, wading through all the available information on your options can be overwhelming as well as confusing, particularly if this is to be your first purchase.

An efficient way to start is to contact a J.S. Walker Associates agent for assistance. In a systematic way, using information you provide, the agent can guide you to those properties which match your requirements. To make sure our first meeting is as productive as possible, try to think about your home search in the following terms:
How motivated are you to find a home?

Knowing when you want to be living in your new home is important since properties which are available today will likely be sold in the near future. If you want to be in your new home within 30-90 days, you will want to begin an intensive search immediately. If your time-line is later (90 days and beyond) you may wish to explore the market generally as a way of gradually becoming familiar with what's available. Keep in mind however, that the "right" home may present itself sooner than later. Remain flexible in order to take advantage of the best situation for you regardless of when it occurs.

What are your needs and wants?

Needs are defined as those aspects of a home which are essential to the decision to purchase. Examples would be school district, proximity to work, number of bedrooms and/or baths, and architectural style. Wants are those components which would be agreeable, but not essential in the decision to purchase - such as a fireplace or a swimming pool. Finding a home within your price range which fulfills all of your needs and wants may be impossible. But chances are, if you search intelligently you'll find a property that comes very close. Again, flexibility is the key to a successful home search.

Do you have the ability to buy a home?

The ability to respond quickly to the home listing which appears to meet your criteria is essential to securing it. Therefore, providing evidence to the Seller that you are "ready, willing, and able" to buy is important in the negotiating process. Having a "Loan-Pre-Qualification Letter" from your preferred lender or lenders as you write your offer to purchase will help to confirm you in the mind of the Seller as a bonafide purchaser. It can also give you a competitive edge in the event multiple contracts are simultaneously placed on the home you wish to purchase. Your J. S. Walker Associates agent can assist you in the process of securing pre-qualification.

Do you have the authority to buy a home?

Particularly in the purchase of a first home, a down payment or other cash assistance is sometimes provided by a family member who will want to confirm the viability of your purchase. It is important to secure the endorsement of your down payment providers as quickly as possible to be sure there will be no holdups in your attempt to buy a home. Well constructed , well priced properties attract buyers quickly. If you are interested, chances are another purchaser may be as well.

Begin your search!

With the situation well in hand, you and your J.S. Walker Associates agent can search all of the housing databases and online listings available to find the right home for you, including the wealth of online listings available. Through your agent the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) provides you all of the home listings which are listed for sale with all area real estate brokers.

In addition, your J. S. Walker Associates agent can make available to you homes through area builders, and even homes which are being marketed For Sale By Owner. It is our goal to provide you the broadest possible array of home-buying opportunities.

We look forward to the opportunity to serve you!