Posts with tag 'First-time buyers'

Settling into the home you chose from  Bemidji homes for sale or Brainerd homes for sale? If your home has a deck, it can be the center of attention for your outdoor parties or for your daily relaxation throughout a good part of the year. But a deck is also a responsibility. Plan to inspect the deck each year to make sure it's safe. A good maintenance regimen can preserve your deck and ensure those who use it are safe.

• Check Your Deck Every Spring
  Now's the time to give your deck a thorough once-over. The North American Deck and Railing Association encourages deck owners to check out the following:
  
  
  • Possible rust on metal sections such as connectors and bolts
  • Possible wood rot, including telltale signs of mold
  • Attachments of decking floor

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Whether you're most interested in Minneapolis homes for sale, Saint Paul homes for sale, or homes anywhere else throughout the Twin Cities region, one key fact remains the same: There are plenty of little details that can make your homebuying journey much easier … or much harder!

All in all, buying a home isn't as intimidating as it might look in the beginning. But the process can have its twists and turns, and the best way to navigate is with the help of an expert. Your real estate agent is your staunchest ally, getting you to closing day with the minimum number of surprises.

No matter what questions you have – and most first-time buyers understandably have plenty of them – your Realtor can help. He or she is always thinking two steps ahead, so you're never in the position of feeling lost or not knowing what to do next.

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Preparing to move can be overwhelming, especially in the last few weeks leading up to the big day. Many people with Minneapolis homes for sale make a checklist for what to do in that last month before a move. There are plenty of things you can do well in advance to make your life easier, but things like shutting off or transferring utilities typically need to be done closer to your moving date. Whether you've found the home of your dreams or you're still looking at St. Paul homes for sale, these tips can help make any move run smoothly.

• Pack Non-Essentials
  About a month before your moving date, begin packing items you don't use frequently. Starting with closets, cabinets, the basement, and the garage is a good way to get going. Non-essentials include clothing that's out of season, family photos, heirlooms, art, books, and anything else you won't use until you arrive at your new home. If you have a guest room or other areas you don't frequent too often, pack up everything that's in them. You can also pack up non-essentials from your office or art studio. After all, you're not going to have much time to do any extra work or create a masterpiece – you'll be too busy getting ready to head to your new home.

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What do real estate agents actually do? This is a common question of many first-time home buyers and sellers. If you think all an agent does is act as a middleman between the property owner and prospective buyer, then you'll be surprised at just how many more valuable services they provide to their clients. Our real estate agents know that real estate tractions can be confusing for those unexperienced in these sales. Here are ten things that a real estate agent can assist buyers and sellers with.

1. Home Inspectors
   Every home will require an inspection and your real estate agent knows exactly who to call. To ensure that both seller and buyer are protected, your real estate agent will pair you with a knowledgeable inspector who will conduct a thorough assessment of the home.

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Securing pre-approval for a home loan is as good as money in the bank. It makes it possible for our real estate agents to help focus your home search, and it gives you an advantage at the negotiation table. However, your pre-approved status doesn't last forever, and you'll want to carefully read the lender's terms and conditions so that you don't get pre-approved too early.

The 60- to 90-Day Window

It can take anywhere from three days to a week for a lender to review your pre-approval application. Once approved, most mortgage pre-approvals are valid for between 60 to 90 days. In limited cases this window may extend out to 180 days. This is a short window so you want to maximize your efforts during this period. It's a short period because there is a possibility your credit score will change the more time elapses.

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