NJ Real Estate Market, RE/MAX Classic Group, RE/MAX Real Estate, NJ Real Estate, New Jersey Real Estate, NJ Homes For Sale, New Jersey Homes For Sale

Sure, you can do your home search by yourself. But why? With The Bryant-Orlando Team at your side, finding the perfect home is easier, faster and a lot more fun. The right Realtor can show you more suitable properties, offer valuable advice, and coach you through the entire home buying process, and you'll save time. Yet many buyers still spend endless hours pouring through classified ads, driving all over town, and viewing dozens of unsuitable properties - simply because they haven't connected with the right Realtor.

Some people think that if they have several agents looking for homes on their behalf, they'll find a house more quickly. Like most relationships, the buyer-agent relationship thrives on communication, loyalty and trust. By working exclusively with one agent, you'll improve both the process and the results.

Finding The Right REALTOR For You

Chemistry is important. So are credentials. Above all, you'll want an experienced agent who has the resources of a leading real estate firm behind him or her . . . a firm such as Prudential New Jersey Properties...A team such as The Bryant-Orlando Team!

Some helpful hints on finding and working with a Realtor:

• Ask friends, family members, neighbors or co-workers for referrals.
• Trust your intuition.
• Share with your REALTOR as much as possible about your lifestyle, tastes, needs and dreams for your home.
• Focus your search on a few geographic areas.

Plus ask him or her some of the following questions:

How well do you know the area(s) that interest me?
A REALTOR who knows the area or neighborhood you are interested in is extremely beneficial to you.

How many other buyers and sellers do you currently represent?
You want A REALTOR who will give you personalized attention, answer your calls quickly and communicate with you often. Keep in mind, though, many busy, experienced REALTORS are the most efficient.

Will you handle all aspects of my transaction or will you delegate some tasks to an Administrative Assistant?
If you choose to work with a busy agent, a knowledgeable assistant can be very helpful when you have questions or need immediate attention.

Will you give me a list of homes you sold in the last 12 months?
Contact some clients that have worked with the agent and ask them about their experience. The list should contain addresses, property types, names of sellers or buyers, sale dates and price. Ask The Bryant-Orlando Team for testimonials from satisfied customers.  They have many that you can call!

With every rent check you write, you're helping to build equity in your landlord's property. That money could be going toward building equity in a home of your own. Today's rates are low enough that your house payment could be lower than your rent payment!

There are many advantages to owning a home, including:

Security - A feeling of security that comes from owning a home and the knowledge that your home is a safeguard against inflation.

Investment - Payments on your mortgage loan mean you are acquiring a major possession; instead of rent, you own more and more. The garden you plant, the permanent improvements you make - all enhance your way of living as well as the value of your home.

Tax Advantage - Your real estate taxes and the interest on your mortgage are deductible from your income tax.

Financial Independence - Most people start on the road to financial independence through home ownership. Your principal and interest payments remain the same for the full term of your mortgage while your rent usually goes up as the cost of living increases.

Environment - Your children grow up in the neighborhood of your choice.

Cash Equity - Better than a savings account, your home can appreciate to keep pace with inflation.

Satisfaction - Home ownership offers special advantages that make life more enjoyable - backyard barbecues, family gatherings during holidays, a home workshop, a chance to enjoy your family's companionship in the privacy of your own home.

Time for nervous anticipation. You've found the home you want, and The Bryant-Orlando Team says you need to act fast. Yet you want to be as calm and objective as possible. The expertise The Bryant-Orlando Team can give you at negotiating time is priceless.

Negotiating The Buy

The expertise The Bryant-Orlando Team can give you at negotiating time is priceless.

Be prepared for counter offers. Don't let the pressure get to you. Remain patient, and let The Bryant-Orlando Team act as your liaison with the seller or the seller's agent. You may need to be flexible on price, closing date, appliances and repairs.

Contingencies

Beware of putting contingencies in your purchase agreement. They weaken your offer. However, if you currently own a home, your offer may need to be contingent on it selling. Or, if you're uncertain about the structural integrity of the home, you will need to have a home inspection contingency. Just be aware any contingency could take you out of the running if a non-contingent offer is presented.

Earnest Money

Once your offer is accepted, be prepared to seal the deal with earnest money. Earnest money is usually a percentage of the home's purchase price that indicates you're serious about the purchase and indicates your good faith. It's applied to the purchase price when you complete the purchase, but may be forfeited to the seller if you fail to complete the purchase. Contact your Sales Associate to determine the amount of earnest money you should be prepared to pay based on your target home price.

Many first-time buyers are taken by surprise when it comes to earnest money, especially if they have to make a fast offer. Be sure to discuss with your REALTOR the appropriate amount of earnest money you should be prepared to pay based on the price range of properties you're looking at. You should have this amount available in your checking account so you can write out an earnest money check on the day you sign your purchase agreement.

We hope you have enjoyed this newsletter.  Keep checking in with us as we change the content on a regular basis.

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