Homes Plus
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/119210
APRIL 2013 HOMES PLUS 10 Getting ready to buy a home? Do your homework Real estate expert says process can be overwhelming without being prepared By Jim Cryns SPECIAL TO HOMES PLUS WAUKESHA – If you go to a grocery store without a list, two things can happen. You can forget to purchase necessary items and buy something you didn't need. Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions of your life. So for goodness sake, grab a pen and make a list. There are a lot of factors involved in buying a new home; temperature of the financial markets, neighborhoods, quality of schools, pricing. One local realtor urges you to avoid looking at too many homes. "People can get confused," said Diane McGeen, owner of Summit Realty in Waukesha. "Memories will get blurred and clients forget which house was which, what they liked about a certain house. They can become overwhelmed." Homebuyers should have a fair idea of what they're looking for and what area they want to live. This research should be done before selecting an agent. It's a good idea to create a "must have" list with your immediate family for the features Qualified Tree Provider s for DuPont Impreli Damage Claims that are non-negotiable. For example, an attached garage, air conditioning or a fenced-in yard might be essentials for you. "A façade of a house is very important. First impressions do go a long way," said McGeen, who has been a real estate professional for more than 30 years and seen her share of facades. "If the home looks good, there's a good chance it was kept up well." Despite some lean years, McGeen insists this is going to be a great spring to buy a home: "All the economic indicators say so. Interest rates are lower than they've been in a long time. Winter has dragged on too long and that increases buyer and seller motivation." McGeen said regardless of the economy, there are three basics in life: food, clothing and shelter, and those aren't going to change. "For first time buyers, this is a great time and that's good news. Young couples should be in houses. My first advice would be to get your finances in order, make sure your credit is golden. That should be the No. 1 priority." Real estate agents are going to be look- ing for that pre-approval letter and without that you can't expect them to spend time showing you a home that you couldn't buy if you wanted to. You'd both be spinning your wheels. If you found the house of your dreams you couldn't make a "real" offer anyway. As in most instances, the Internet has made home shoppers better buyers. "We have a generation of buyers that want to move right in," McGeen said. "Some are willing to do work on a house and others want things perfect from the moment they take over the deed." She urges homebuyers to look for a good kitchen space that coincides with your lifestyle and an outdoor space that works for you, whether you have kids or pets should be part of the equation. "We're at the bottom of the market and it's only going to go up from here," McGeen explained. "Even if you buy a home and don't get it for a steal, you'll do well as the market is improving. "You can ride the train right up the hill." Once you've selected your agent, McGeen said you must use all five of your senses and instincts when buying. "It sounds cheesy but I'm telling you, Submitted photo instinct is important, it goes a long way," she said. McGeen said consumers will come across some staged homes and she's fine with that; she stages her own listings. But there are homes that sell themselves under natural circumstances. "There was one older woman selling her house. She had doilies on the couch, a pot roast in the oven and the table was set." It was a virtual Norman Rockwell See BUY/Page 11 $ 10 OFF ANY NURSERY PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE Not valid with other offers. Valid only with this coupon. Expires 10/31/13. Genesee Nursery and Landscaping GENERAL CONTRACTING Genesee Nursery and Landscaping S29 W31189 Hwy. DE, Waukesha 5 Miles west of Waukesha on DE (Sunset Dr.) GENERAL CONTRACTING Kerry "Buzz" Elwood 262.968.4383 Serving Southeastern Wisconsin REMODELS • HOME ADDITIONS • WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION Residential / Commercial www.GeneseeNursery.com Design, Finish Grading, Shrub Trimming, Lawn Mowing, Planting Seed/Sod, Retaining Walls, Spring Clean-up, Tree & Shrub Removal & Install Locally Grown Trees, Shrubs and Perennials 231268002 Hours: Saturday & Sunday 9-5 or by Appointment BATHS • KITCHENS • REC ROOMS & MORE www.professionalconstructioninc.com 262.363.0886 JOIN OUR VIP EBE Certified CLUB! TEXT TO: 36000 MESSAGE: BUILD4U Msg. & Data Rates Apply