Home Search Tips, Lake Norman Property Search Tips

Tips to Guide Your Home Search

These home search tips will ensure a much smoother Lake Norman home search process. Searching for a home can be a daunting task unless you have a plan.

Research before you look

Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.

Be realistic

It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.

Get your finances in order

Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get pre-qualified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.

Don’t ask too many people for opinions

It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.

Decide your moving timeline

Is your current home on the market? Is it under contract? When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.

Think long-term. Are you downsizing?

Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.

Insist on a home inspection

Even if you are purchasing a new home! If possible, get a home warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.

Get help from a REALTOR

Hire a REALTOR. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment .

Shh!

When touring homes, home buyers should refrain from discussing their reactions until you’ve left the house. While far from common, it is increasingly possible sellers could be recording your comments with listening devices. In addition to potentially hurting your negotiating position, you wouldn’t want to insult the current owners by making fun of their home.

Social Media No-No’s

Comments made inside sellers’ homes aren’t the only ones that could get back to the owners; home buyers should think similarly about anything they say on social media sites. Buyers should also refrain from posting photos of the homes they’ve toured online (unless the sellers have granted permission).

Online Research

Once you are interested in a property, run a Google search on the address and read any news about that neighborhood.Door-to-Door Research.

Walk The Neighborhood

It can also be helpful for buyers to knock on neighbors doors and say “We’re thinking about buying this house. What can you tell me about the home and the neighborhood?” (Plus, you’ll get to meet potential neighbors.) Walk the neighborhood on a weekend or summer night when people are out and about in the neighborhood.

More Home Buying Tips

If you planning to buy real estate in the Lake Norman area, make sure you’re following these simple home search tips. Several common myths about who to call when you find a property you like, the advantages of pre-owned homes, learn about buying new homes and important property tax questions you should ask.

Find more information about the home buying process, how to find a Realtor, some property search tips, what happens from contract to closing and ask questions at home buyer help

Buyer Tip Videos

Visit my YouTube Channel’s “Home Buying Tips” playlists. There are many helpful home buying videos to watch.

Lake Living

Lake Towns

Compare the following lake towns and counties on the lake if you are planning on home buying or selling:

MLS Listings by Town

Search other real estate listings

View Lake Norman waterfront homes, properties for sale link showcase or find a property around the lake now.

News in Real Estate

Stay up-to-date on real estate news and home sales trends. Also view the latest Keller Williams’ monthly real estate news video and what’s happening at KW.

Area Useful Links

View Lake Norman links for more information about the entire Charlotte region.

If you are planning to visit or purchase listings in the lake area, the visitors guide will be helpful as well as the transportation guide.

You’ll find family fun; attractions & entertainment, cultural guide, event information, parks & recreation and clubs & organizations. For the latest on local sports from professional to t-ball visit the sports information and golf guide. For those of you that think shopping is a sport, visit the shopping guide. Because you care about your family find medical information and school information.

For additional business information you’ll want to look at NC information and political information. As a result, you can keep up with all the local events whether it’s for fun, business, local or national news on the media guide page.

About Robin

Robin is a licensed as NC real estate agent. Robin works in the Lake Norman real estate market towns of Cornelius, Huntersville, Mooresville, Denver NC, Davidson and Charlotte NC. She will educate you and ensure you are taking advantage of the best market opportunities. Robin will also help you set realistic expectations. Furthermore, she will walk with you through the entire process. Home buyers can trust Robin to help them find a property of their dreams. Home sellers will receive unparalleled exposure to their listings. She will assist her clients in negotiating the best possible price. She will also do her part in keeping your transaction running smoothly! Ask her any general question about real estate in NC and around Lake Norman.

Learn more about Robin, view Robin’s Listings, Virtual Tours, Tour Factory Virtual Tours and Open Houses. Finally, see her Sold Listings.

Thank You for Visiting Lake Norman Home Search Tips

Lake Norman home buying offers something for every lifestyle. Matching homes with lifestyles is the basis for Robin’s real estate business. Most of all, contact Robin if you have any general questions.