Buying a Home with ERA Vacation Properties

At ERA Vacation Properties, our Chautauqua County and Cattaraugus County Real Estate specialists believe that every family deserves to have a home they can call their own especially a home that meets the needs and budget of that family. That's why we take each home buyer seriously, and the search for their perfect Chautauqua County or Cattaraugus County Real Estate property becomes our top priority. No matter the price range of the home you need, what really matters to us is assisting you in owning your own home in the community of your choice. We look forward to developing a relationship with you so we can become your real estate professionals for life!

Whether you've spent years saving and preparing to buy a home in Chautauqua , or are unsure if you can afford it, the questions surrounding a house purchase can feel endless.

You can find the answers - and peace of mind - by working with ERA Vacation Properties , an industry leader in real estate experience and service. We know the Chautauqua area better than anyone including:

• Chautauqua County Real Estate
• Chautauqua Institution
• Cattaraugus County
• Vacation Homes

One advantage of enlisting the help of an ERA Vacation Properties REALTOR® is simply that you don't have to go through it alone. An ERA Vacation Properties REALTOR® has the background and skills to help you through each step of the process, and make the experience of finding, buying and moving into your new home as smooth, quick and enjoyable as it can be. Another advantage is that an ERA Vacation Properties REALTOR® represents a valuable source of information about market trends; communities and neighborhoods; and especially homes for sale throughout the area. Remember, not every home seller runs an ad in the local paper or puts a sign up in the yard. In fact, many homes actually sell before there is ever a need to advertise them. The market expertise an ERA Vacation Properties REALTOR® offers you is augmented by access to complete, regularly updated information about every home listed by area sales professionals through the Multiple Listing Service ( MLS ). As you'll see in the following questions, such professional expertise and services can be of considerable help throughout the buying process .

BUYING PROCESS:

Hire a real estate professional.

The first step is to select a New York real estate professional to help you find your dream home and fine-tune your financial expectations. Working with a buyer agent is worth consideration since he or she is legally responsible for representing the buyer's interest in a real estate transaction. Before making a decision, however, have a REALTOR® explain the pros and cons of using a buyer agent versus a sales or dual agent. Your ERA Vacation Properties Associate can guide you through every step to buying a home.

Shop mortgage rates and terms.

A difference of even half a percentage point can make a huge difference in how much you pay over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600.

Pre-qualify for a loan.

Your third step should be to get pre-qualified, which determines how much you can afford. It allows you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious and really can afford to buy the property.

Define what you want.

The next step is to create a realistic idea of the property you'd like to buy. What features are most important to you? Make two lists: one of the items you can't live without and one of the features you would enjoy. Refine the lists as you house hunt. It is also helpful to search online to see what is currently available on the market. Your real estate professional can then show you houses that meet your expectations.

Visit properties.

Now you're ready to visit houses. Ask your ERA Vacation Properties to arrange showings, and keep track of the properties you've seen.

Know the features that help or hurt resale.

In some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value and makes it harder to sell. In neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a single-car or detached garage may impact the home sale and future value. Your ERA Vacation Properties professional can point out features that hurt, and those that help, resale value.

Rate the houses you tour.

After touring each home, write down what you liked and didn't like. You will love many of the homes that you encounter in Chautauqua County or Cattaraugus County . Develop a rating system that will help narrow the field down. For example, pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use the new favorite as the standard.

Make an offer.

Once you've pinpointed your dream house, it's time to get serious about the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Your ERA Vacation Properties Real Estate Associate will be a strong advantage since you and the seller have different goals.

Arrange for a home inspection.

After your offer is accepted, set up a home inspection. It is common to find problems, including leaky roofs, cracked walls, insect infestations and foundation problems. Your real estate professional can help find a reputable inspector, and will negotiate to get you the most for your money once the inspector's report is final. If you negotiate repairs as part of the purchase, ask for a "walk through" before finalizing the paperwork. Ask your real estate expert about home protection plans, which may save you money in the near future.

Close

Before your closing date, make sure you've made all necessary deposits and completed the paperwork - including mortgage, title, homeowners insurance and any other paperwork required by local or state governments.

Prepare for life in your new home.

Before rolling out the welcome mat, consider some moving basics: arranging for an alarm company, turning on electricity, water and gas, cleaning or replacing the carpet, and notifying your local post office of your new address. The best time for renovations is often before you move in.

ERA Vacation Properties will help you with the entire process of buying! Contact us anytime for more information!