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Searching for your dream home?
"Negotiating the lowest possible price and best terms for my buyer-client is my goal of
outstanding service. The best investment in real estate happens on the buy side!"
-Liz Snide
The Charlotte, North Carolina area offers great diversity, including golf properties, equestrian communities, city dwellings and lake front homes. This diversity demands special "local" knowledge, which is why it is valuable to have a knowledgable Realtor. It is also recommended that you, the Buyer, have a Buyer Agency Agreement so there is a professional working solely for the you, the buyer-client, in preparing for the home search, protecting your interests, representing only you which includes absolute confidentiality and finally in negotiating the lowest possible price and best terms for you.
Liz Snide knows Mecklenburg and Union County's neighborhoods! Search now for the most comprehensive list of available real estate in the Charlotte area, including Pineville, Weddington, Waxhaw, Lake Wylie and Lake Norman and the northern tip of South Carolina.
Free Buyer Representation on new and resale homes.
Tips for Buyers
Know What You Need
The first step is being honest about your needs versus your wants. For example, you may dream of having a big backyard for gardening, but if you have a busy schedule, a low-maintenance townhouse probably makes more sense. Make a list of the things you need to have in the house you buy. Ask yourself how many bedrooms and bathrooms you'll need, how big you want the kitchen to be, if there's an adequate number of closets and cabinet space and if the yard is big enough for your kids and/or pets to play in. You also should think about the long term. Will the house still meet your needs--or your family's needs--5 years from now?
Crunch the Numbers
It's extremely important to have a clear idea of your financial situation before you start looking for a home. Not only will this help you set a budget, but financial records will come in handy when you start shopping for a loan. It's a good idea to talk with several lenders before making a decision to compare interest rates and closing costs.
Most lenders offer pre-qualifications or pre-approvals. Pre-qualifications are only a guess based on what you tell the lender and are no guarantee. A pre-approval will give you a better idea of how big a loan you qualify for. The lender will actually pull your credit and get more information about you. With an actual approval, you're ready to make an offer, and the sale will go much quicker. Besides, your offer will look more appealing than other buyers' since your financing is guaranteed.
  
Compare Neighborhoods
Focus on areas that meet your needs, budget and personal taste. Factors to pay special attention to include convenient access to employment, schools and stores. The right neighborhood should also make you feel safe, possibly offer recreational opportunities, and have adequate police and fire protection. And the right neighborhood should also have a good historical rate of appreciation to protect your investment.
Inspect Houses Carefully
During any house showing, be alert for signs of structural weakness, water damage, pest infestations or other things that just don't "look" right. Conversely, don't overlook an otherwise suitable home just because it has cosmetic problems like outdated carpet or a bad paint job. Most importantly, never purchase a home without first having it thoroughly examined by a professional home inspector.
"To Buyers: If you want representation, work with a buyer broker. They are legally obligated to represent your interests in any negotiations with sellers. The Consumer Federation of America Groups such as the Consumer Federation of America and AARP recommend using buyer's agents. SmartMoney Magazine , June 1995
Liz Snide
704.222.7343  liz.snide@allentate.com
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