As the market leader in Southeastern North Carolina, Intracoastal
Realty provides home buyers with the highest quality of service and
personal attention. Our experienced Buyer’s Agents will assist you in
the home buying process from the start of your search to long after the
close of sale. Whether you are relocating to the area or are a first
time home buyer, we can help work with you to find the home that is
right for your lifestyle. With your interests as top priority, our
agents will utilize all available tools and services to find you the
property you deserve.
We continue to help buyers find their dream homes because of our
commitment to satisfying the needs of our clients. Our hard work and
dedication to home buying has helped us achieve the advantage in real
estate throughout the Cape Fear Region. Intracoastal Realty’s skilled
professionals are ready to find out what you want in your perfect home.
7 Tips for Finding a New Home
When searching for a new home, identify the characteristics and features you
want and do some research with the help of a knowledgeable Intracoastal
Realty agent. You will then be able to focus in on the home of your
dreams at the best price.
Putting together a solid game plan ahead of time can help you narrow
your search to find the best home for you. Here are some tips to prepare
you for the home-buying process:
1. Get to know yourself
Figure out what type of home suits your personality. Are you leaning
toward a new home or an existing home? A one-story ranch or a large home
on the
golf course? If you are considering a home that needs some TLC (a
fixer-upper), are you capable of doing the work yourself, or will you
need to budget for
contractors?
2. Research ahead of time
Make a list of the features that are must-haves and identify those that
are “bonus” features (not necessities, but would be nice). Choose four
or five neighborhoods in which you would like to live based on items of
importance to you, such as schools, price, proximity to the beach,
recreation, crime rates, etc. Then use our advanced
Property Search to find
the homes available in your price range and in your targeted
neighborhoods. Use the
My Homes Portfolio
feature of our website to save your favorite
listings. Now you can prioritize your wants and needs and identify
properties that meet your criteria.
3. Assess your financial situation
As a general rule of thumb, lenders say you can afford a home priced two
to three times your gross income. If you are not a cash buyer and you
are seeking financing, contact a lender to get pre-approved. This will
also help you determine your budget for a home. If you are in need of a
good lender, consider contacting Intracoastal Realty’s preferred lender,
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. They have a team dedicated specifically to
assisting Intracoastal buyers and clients.
4. Establish a timeline to move
There are several questions to ask yourself before you are able to
establish a timeline goal to move. Do you need time to fix blemishes on
your credit? If you already own, is your current home under contract or
has it already sold? If not, and your buying a new home is contingent on
the sale of your existing home, you will need to factor in this time
needed to sell. If you are renting, when does your lease expire? Where
are interest rates now, and where are they projected to be in the near
future? If you answer these questions, you will have a better idea of
your timeline for a move.
5. Be in it for the long haul
Which type of
lifestyle do you anticipate living five or ten years from
now? Your future plans should help dictate the type of home you purchase
now. Are you interested in a starter home with a goal to upsize in a few
years, or do you plan on staying in the home for five to ten years? If
you plan to nest, make sure your list of priorities helps you identify a
home you will still love many years from now.
6. Have realistic expectations
It is okay to be selective about the home and neighborhood you want, but
try not to be unrealistic or closed-minded about minor imperfections. If
you insist on finding a home in the
Wilmington Historic District, for example, you may
miss out on a great home in another area. On the
other hand, try not to be so influenced by a spectacular feature that
you forget about other issues that might have an impact on your quality
of life (i.e. noise). Always remember that there is no such thing as the
“perfect” home.
7. Work with an Intracoastal Realty agent
Interview Intracoastal
Realty agents to determine which ones have expertise in the
neighborhoods you have identified and the types of homes in which you
may be interested. Buying a home triggers many emotions; so, consider
whether an agent’s style is a match with your personality. If you do not
currently have an agent with whom you are working, let our
Director of
Relocation, Lisa Bisanar, match you up with an agent that best suits
your needs and style. All of our agents are REALTORS®, which means
they’re members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. With an
Intracoastal Realty agent, you are getting an educated agent who has
pledged to a code of ethics and standards of practice, which includes
duties to clients and customers, the public, and other REALTORS®.
Contact an
Intracoastal Realty agent today and let us help you find your dream
home.
Start Your Search Now!