Chris Voigt's April Real Estate Newsletter

This time of year has traditionally been strong for Real Estate. Many buyers are now seriously motivated to firm up their purchase decisions in order to move during the summer months. By the way things are progressing, this year could be even busier than usual, thanks to favorable interest rates and a shortage of certain property types that are in high demand. If you are thinking of selling, please call right away to find out how your property fits into the current market scene. You might be surprised by how quickly and easily you could benefit from making a move when the market is gaining momentum. The timing may never be better. As our spring market heats up, we hope the temperature on the thermometer does the same.  Owning a home is such a tremendous investment and it's important to take care of that investment.  Click here for a Spring Maintenance Tips Infographic to get you started on your home's Spring Maintenance. Have a great April and I look forward to helping you this spring! Christian Voigt Licensed Real Estate SalespersonAssistant Manager - Williamsville Realty USA 914 Maple Road Williamsville, NY  14221 716-345-5251 cvoigt@realtyusa.com Go "Like" my Facebook page Oh, by the way...if you know of someone who would appreciate the kind of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number. I'll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.   Understanding the Home Buying Process The more you know about the best way to reach a goal, the more likely you are to get the result you want. So, whether you’re hunting for a new job, assembling a backyard BBQ, or training for a 3 mile run, you’ll want to use a proven process to help you get there. That certainly holds true when shopping for a new home. There is a proven process to getting the home you want, in the neighborhood you want, at a price you can afford. Here are the highlights: Get ready  There’s a lot you must do before you pack your energy snacks in the car and go looking at homes. If you own your current home, you must prepare that property for sale. You should also get financing for a new home pre-approved, so you know exactly how much you can afford. Go shopping Your next step is to view the right homes currently available on the market. It’s a good idea to make a wish list of property and neighborhood features you’re looking for in a new home. You may not be able to get everything you want, but you can probably come pretty close. Make an offer When you see a home you like, the first thing you’ll need to do is to make an offer. This can be tricky especially if there are other interested buyers. Get an inspection Always get the home checked out by a qualified home inspector. A property may have issues, such as a foundation leak, that are not obvious during a viewing. Prepare for the move Once you’ve made the purchase, you need to arrange for moving and deal with other details, such as utilities, telephone, mail forwarding and so forth. Want a smooth home buying process? Call today. The Advantage of Getting Pre-Approved One of the best things you can do to ensure you get the home you want is to arrange for financing before you go shopping. This is often referred to as getting “pre-approved”. Getting pre-approved simply means that your lender has calculated how much of a mortgage they’re willing to offer you, depending on your down payment and current financial situation. There are two advantages to having a pre-approved mortgage. First, you know exactly what you can afford when shopping for a new home. Second, when you make an offer, you’re likely to be taken more seriously. Buying a Home That Needs Work When you’re shopping for a new home, you may come across properties that require repairs or renovations. Are these houses worth the added expense? Will you get your money back if you decide to sell the house in the future? According to market studies, certain renovations and repairs do add more value to a home than the repairs typically cost. These include kitchen and bathroom renovations, new or improved landscaping, and electrical and plumbing repairs. notable, quotable... quotes! “You have not lived a perfect day unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”  Ruth Smeltzer “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm”. Publilius Syrus “The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.”  Flora Whittemore