Richard McDeid's (ourhome) Blog

#13 Ask for a written CMA A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is an analysis of comparable homes in a given neighborhood. It shows you the sale prices of comparable homes in the neighborhood, along with asking prices of other homes in the area currently on the market. A Realtor® can request this...

#10 Consider your future needs A move can be a major undertaking.  Take a good look at your current lifestyle and consider the future. Will you need extra space for a home office, a child, or perhaps a child moving back home? Perhaps it may be easier and less expensive if you purchase a home tha...

#7 Pay attention to red flags When evaluating a home, be sure you know the difference between acceptable and unacceptable problems. Cosmetic items like peeling paint, worn carpeting, or unattractive wallpaper can be easily remedied, and can be used as negotiation items, as there will be costs in...

#5 Location, location, location It’s still true.  The desirability and resale value of your home depend on location more than any other factor. People want a desirable community that includes character, quality of schools, access to work, major transportation arteries, recreational facilities, e...

#2 Get pre-approved Visit your lending institution prior to shopping.  Be sure to get a mortgage commitment in writing. Being pre-approved gives you a solid price range, and lets your Realtor® and potential sellers know that you are serious and not just a browser. #3 Get the right people behind ...

Whether you are buying your first home or your fifth, the process of buying a home can be an emotional, time-consuming venture.  Feeling that, in the end, you made the right decision and got a good deal can make all the difference. As with most major decisions, the amount of work and research yo...

4.  Your House Will Also Own You   Buy within your means.   When you get pre-approved for a mortgage, focus on seeing that number as a maximum.    Getting pre-approved for an amount slightly higher than you were considering spending in the first place can be very tempting with the new options th...

1.  Don’t go on Blind Dates   Don’t be set up.  Assess in great detail what you are looking for in a home.  The more strict and structured you make your needs/wants list beforehand, the less likely you are to be blinded when you view a house.   You may get excited by the glass tile tub surround ...

6.) Have reasonable expectations. There is a lot of money at stake. No house is perfect. Understanding and remembering these two statements will help diffuse the negotiation stage, the inspection stage and the closing stage. Emotions are high for both buyers and sellers. - The seller may have lov...

5 . Learn about the neighborhood. Often times the house you find may be in a neighborhood that you're not familiar with, which is ok. It just means that you'll have to do a little more research. If you find a house that you like, ask for a list of the neighborhood properties that sold in the last...