AKIS KLADIS- "YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD REALTOR"

 

The CENTURY 21 Newsletter

October - 2007

Lessons Learned Don't Forget Personal History AKIS KLADIS I am pleased to present you with the latest issue of Life@Home. Delivered to home buyers, sellers and owners on a monthly basis, this electronic newsletter is designed to give you the real estate information that is important to you. In each issue, you will find practical tips and articles related to buying, selling or owning a home, as well as the latest news on real estate trends. I hope that you enjoy this issue of Life@Home. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Visit www.akiskladis.com and view more than 250,000 property listings!

Lessons Learned Like everything else, there is a learning curve to buying a home. The second time around you will naturally know things you didn't the first. Here are three common mistakes made by first-time home buyers during the home search process and their solutions. Mistake: Buyers who look at homes before they have a complete understanding of their finances are asking for trouble. Solution: Before looking for a property, you should know your finances inside and out. This includes analyzing savings, income and expected expenses. Next, order a copy of your credit report. Your credit score will greatly influence the type and amount of loan you are eligible for. Finally, make sure you are pre-qualified for a mortgage. This means a loan officer has reviewed your employment history, debt, income and other pertinent factors and has pre-qualified you for a certain loan amount. Mistake: Looking for a home with your heart instead of your head. Of course there is an element of emotion during the home search process, but it is also a business transaction. You want to avoid falling in love with a certain home and then finding out it is out of your reach. Solution: First, look exclusively in your price range. Next, have a specific list of your wants and needs. Create of roster of must-haves, bonuses and things you absolutely don't want too. This will help you remain objective. Mistake: Looking at properties without doing enough research. Curb appeal and interior charm have their place, but buyers also need to know about the community where they are buying. Solution: Use the Internet to find out all you can about the town. Research local property taxes, the schools, area transportation and available recreation. Also talk to people in the neighborhood and local officials. Ask about traffic patterns, flooding, planned infrastructure projects, etc. Get the inside scoop from those who know the area best. Your Realtor® or buyer's agent is also an excellent resource. Don't Forget Moving day is typically a high-stress occasion. No matter how organized and prepared you are, there is always a chance for a few things to fall through the cracks. Here are seven things to remember on the day of the big move. 1. Keep all valuables in your possession. This includes important paperwork, collections, family photos, jewelry, heirlooms, checkbooks, wallet/purse and the like. You do not want to hand these over to movers if possible. 2. Charge your mobile phone and keep it with you. In addition, take along your address book. And before the movers depart, be sure to exchange contact information. 3. Remember to ask for a copy of the inventory from the movers. You should also note the condition of your property before they leave. 4. Take out cash for incidentals. You may need to fill the gas tank or need money for lunch on the road. If the move is taking place within one day, you will want to tip the movers if the job is completed to your satisfaction. A good rule of thumb is $20 per mover. 5. Final payment for the moving company is traditionally due upon completion of the move. 6. Don't forget medications. Like your valuables, it is better to keep medications for you and your family members or pets with you. 7. Check the house before you leave. Turn off the lights and turn down the thermostat and hot water heater. Give each room a final once over. Lock all the windows and doors. Personal History Every family has its own story. But in today's fast-paced world, the tradition of oral history is gradually being lost. Take the time to talk to senior members of your family. Ask them to tell you stories and personal experiences. Then jot a summary down in a journal. It can become a wonderful family heirloom.

CENTURY 21 HAM AND ASSOCIATES 11256 S HARLEM  .  WORTH, IL 60482  .  708-601-2748 CEN21BROKR@COMCAST.NET  .  http://www.akiskladis.com

Copyright © 2005. CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC. To unsubscribe, click here.

As part of an overall real estate strategy, it is important to learn about what's going on in the market and convey any specific real estate need early on in the process. Please fill out the short form below to receive free real estate information.