The 5 Biggest Myths For New Home Buyers

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Buying your first home can be a very exciting experience. Maybe you are tired of the apartment life, perhaps you are looking for a place to start a family or maybe you are relocating for a job. Whatever the reason, there are some very common myths that many first-time home buyers are exposed to.

Sometimes these myths are shared by well-meaning family or friends. In other cases, they may be carried on by reality shows about home buying or they might be found in articles online. The truth is, these kinds of myths and misconceptions can be very misleading and it's best to avoid them.

Here are five of the biggest and most common myths that new home buyers encounter when they are looking to purchase their first house.

1. Your First Home Will Be Your Home For Life

This is one of the most common myths that new home buyers encounter. While this myth may have had some truth to it many years ago, the real estate market has changed a great deal in recent years. This misconception is usually shared with good intentions by people who want new home buyers to find the best deal possible.

The truth is, the first home you buy will probably not be the last home you buy. While it's still important to find a great deal, keep in mind that you may need to move to a new location if you change careers, if you have a child or if you need to relocate for personal reasons. It's perfectly fine to look for a “starter home” while still keeping an eye on the future.

2. Buy More Home Than You Can Afford

Similar to the first myth, this common misconception is based on the idea that you will stay in your first home for a very long time. You may be tempted to purchase a large home with extra rooms, especially if you plan to start a family.

In reality, buying a property that is too large and too expensive is not a good strategy. Instead, be honest with your College Station realtor about your budget and your needs to find a home that you can afford so that you don't get in over your head.

3. You Don't Need A Real Estate Agent

Many first-time home buyers are working with a limited budget. They may be tempted to try to purchase a home without a real estate agent to save money. Unfortunately, searching for a home without a real estate agent might end up costing you in the long run.

Your realtor in College Station, TX can help you find a house that meets all of your needs without breaking your budget. Hiring a great real estate agent costs money but think of this cost as an investment in your future.

4. Buy A Fixer-Upper To Save Money

Buying a house that needs renovations or that will require a lot of repairs might get you a lower price upfront but remember that you'll be responsible for these repairs in the future. Any money that you save initially will likely be used up when you pay for contractors, home inspectors or materials to make these costly repairs and renovations.

5. The First Deal You Find Is The Best Deal

It's natural to get excited when you are looking for your first home and you discover a great deal. However, don't be too quick to jump at the first deal that comes along. In many cases, a better deal is waiting just around the corner. Remember, patience is key when you are shopping for your first home so be prepared to consider many different properties before you make your decision.

By avoiding these common home buying myths and by consulting with your College Station realtor, you'll be able to find a great deal on your first home purchase. 

How to Know When You've Found the Perfect Home

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People move into new homes for many different reasons. They may be looking for a change of scenery, or they may be moving to be closer to family and friends. No matter why someone wants to move into a new home, there is one thing that they all have in common.

They want to find a home that is right for their needs, their lifestyle and their future. A home is more than just a place to live. A new house represents a big change and a new start. You can think of your new home as the centre of your life in a new area or a new neighbourhood.

How do you know when you've found the perfect home? Consider this list of points to help you reach this decision with the help of your realtor in College Station, TX.

A Home That You Can Afford

Money may not be everything, but it is certainly a very important factor when you're looking for the perfect home. When you are house shopping, your budget will help you determine the best place for you to live. Don't think of your budget as a limit. Instead, look at it to find out all the options that are available to you.

Before you start shopping for a home, come up with a detailed budget. This will be the plan that helps you narrow down your options. A home that you can afford is not just a property that you have enough money to purchase. To be affordable, a home needs to be close to your place of work. It also needs to be energy efficient enough to have reasonable utility bills. Large homes in well-developed neighbourhoods are very appealing, but you need to make sure that you aren't overspending yourself into a financial bind.

A Home That Meets Your Needs

Once you have determined your budget, you can start making a list of all the things that you need in your new home. Make a list of “must haves,” a series of qualities that you absolutely need in your new home. For example, if you have children or are planning to have children, you will need extra space for your growing family. If you're passionate about gardening, you'll want to find a home that has room for planting and exercising your green thumb.

If you love to dine out or see live entertainment, you'll want to find a property that is reasonably close to venues and restaurants that provide these options. These may sound like luxuries, but if you can pursue your favourite activities, that new home may not be so perfect after all.

A Home That Has Room for Your Future

Are you planning to stay in your new home for many years or are you looking for a starter home? Will you be moving to an area for a new job or looking for a career change several years down the line?

Try to anticipate any big changes that you might have in store for the next several years. If you have some major changes coming up soon, you don't want to tie yourself down to an area or living situation. Of course, it's impossible to predict everything that will happen shortly but taking the time to plan out your future carefully is always a good strategy.

Once you have considered these factors, talk to your College Station realtor to come up with a list of items that are essential for your new home. Once you find a house that matches up with your needs and your goals, you'll know that you have finally found the perfect home.

3 Tips For Retirees Looking To Downsize Their Home

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College Station is a great place to live for people in all stages of life. Many people who have recently retired can find good deals on smaller homes when they are looking to downsize their living space.

There are plenty of reasons for retirees to consider moving into a smaller home. They may not have the need for extra room now that their children have moved out and they may be looking for a less costly home if they are transitioning to life on a fixed income.

Here are three important tips for retirees to consider when they are shopping for a smaller home with the help of their realtor in College Station, TX.

1. Find A Good Location

Location is one of the most important considerations for anyone looking to move into a smaller home. People who have lived in the same location for many years may be very accustomed to their neighborhood and nearby services like shopping centers and restaurants.

When a person who has recently retired is looking to downsize their living space, it's important to do some research to make sure that their new property is close to the stores and locations that they are accustomed to. Talking to a real estate agent, speaking with residents of the new neighborhood and doing some research online are all great ways to find out more about a new location.

2. Watch Out For Extra Expenses

Many people who want to downsize their living space are considering the cost of living as a major factor in their decision. Moving to a smaller home is a great way to save money but it's very important to pay attention to other costs associated with moving.

Home owners who have lived in the same house for many years will likely have a lot of possessions and items to move. When moving into a smaller home, there may not be room for all these items. There are costs associated with hiring movers to transport these items as well as costs for renting a storage space for items that can't be moved into the new home due to limited space. Watch out for these costs to avoid an unpleasant surprise when downsizing.

3. Focus On Your Goals

When many people retire, they have a different set of goals than first-time home buyers. For example, retirees may want to find a quiet neighborhood that is not located next to busy streets or loud neighbors.

They may also want a home that gives them the opportunity to pursue new hobbies now that they are no longer working full-time. For example, homes with backyard gardens or space for entertaining guests may be very attractive to retirees. Discuss these goals with your College Station realtor to zero in on properties that are most likely to give you the opportunity to pursue your new goals and interests.

Retirement should be a time to enjoy a new style of living. By following these tips and having discussions with a trusted realtor, downsizing to a smaller home can be a truly enjoyable experience. 

3 Things to Consider When You're Relocating for A Job

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If you have recently moved to the College Station area for a career change or a new job, or if you're considering moving to the area, you might be unsure about how to complete your move. There are many growing industries and great job opportunities in the College Station area and, with a few smart tips, you can make your move easier and stress-free.

Moving to a brand-new area is a big change, and it might seem intimidating. However, with some careful planning and preparation, you can make your relocation a success.

Here are three things that you should know about moving to a new home for a new job.

1. Consider the Commute

When you are moving to a new area for a job, it's normal to be excited. After all, you may be pursuing your dream occupation or getting a significant raise. Before you get too excited, it's time to consider the realities of working in your new home.

If you're aiming to cut down on stress in your new home, take the time to find a property that is a reasonable distance from your new job location. If you move to a new house that requires a two-hour commute, you might be setting yourself up for a stressful situation. Also, the costs of commuting over a large distance might end cutting into the salary you are earning at your new occupation.

2. Stick to Your Budget

Getting a new job can have a lot of benefits, such as a higher salary, better insurance or more opportunities for promotion. Remember that moving a great distance and purchasing a home can be expensive. You need to factor in the costs of living in your new home to come up with a clear and concise budget.

Even if you are expecting a raise at your new job, you still need to stick to your detailed budget carefully. You may have to account for the costs of hiring movers, buying new furniture and renovating your new home.

Talk to your College Station Realtor about your budget to develop a plan for finding a home that is within your price range.

3. Research the Area

Of course, moving to a new home is about more than just finding a place to live. Once you have settled into your new home, you'll want to explore your new hometown. There are many great opportunities for you in your new location, and you should be excited about all the new things to do.

You can use online searches to find festivals, events, and attractions in your new area before you even load up the moving truck. A little planning goes a long way in this department. Consider using social media to reach out to people in the area where you are moving. You can make new friends to spend time with before you even move in.

If you're moving to the College Station area, your realtor in College Station, TX can help you get acquainted with the area, as well as finding the perfect home near your new job.