Sue Brite, Realtor, Bradenton, Florida, Manatee County, Coldwell Banker

Buyer's Tips


Ten Tips to Guide Prospective Home Buyers 1. Do your homework when preparing to buy a home. There is no excuse for entering the home buying market unprepared in this day and age. There are many ways to educate yourself…on the Internet, in the library or bookstore, and by choosing a reputable Realtor. 2. Buy a house based on your family’s needs, not solely on whether it’s a shrewd investment or not. You may be disappointed if you try and guess what will happen in the housing market. 3. Choose a good location, even within a particular neighborhood. What is behind the hedge or fence in the backyard? How noisy is the street traffic when you’re sitting on your lanai or front porch? 4. Remember that the interior is more important than the exterior. You can always improve the landscaping or put on new shutters, but you need a workable interior floor plan for your family’s needs now and in the future. 5. Figure out how your family really lives and whether a formal dining room and living room are necessary, for example. Maybe you’d be better off with a large family room or great room and an eat-in kitchen. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Is a home office important? Make a “wish list” to show to your Realtor. 6. Make sure you get a home inspection by a qualified professional if the home is a resale. You do not want any surprises after you move in. You also want to carefully read over any home owner association or condo association documents, including what current fees are applicable and if any special assessments are coming up in the near future. 7. If you’re purchasing a newly built home, talk to residents who have already moved into completed homes in that neighborhood. It’s also a good way to meet prospective neighbors! 8. Have patience during the search for a new home, and be sure to use a qualified Realtor. Buying a home is a big decision. A professional Realtor can help you negotiate the contract, schedule home inspections, and deal with many other issues that come up on the way to settlement. 9. Work with a reliable mortgage firm to finance your new home, but first shop around for the best rate and terms. Do not wait for a better market or lower interest rates while your dream home is sold to someone else. 10. If you can afford a home, don’t wait to make that important purchase. You’ll lose the immediate benefits of tax deductions, home equity accrual, and appreciation in value that comes with purchasing a home.

	Sue Brite, REALTOR®
	Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Inc.
7347 52nd Place East, Bradenton, FL 34203
Direct: 941-780-5599
Toll-Free: 888-292-0228 / Office: 941-739-6777
Fax: 941-739-6670
E-mail: Sue@SueBrite.com