Tag: Homes for sale on the chain of lakes

Choosing A Realtor

The truth is that purchasing a home is the single most expensive investment in our lives.  In order to ensure the process of buying a new home is smooth it is important that you find a realtor to work with.  In order to find a realtor that will maximize your experience there are some things to look for when searching for someone to sell your home or assist you in purchasing a new home.

One of the first things to take into account is that you need a professional.  A realtor is someone that is a real estate professional that is a member of the National Association of Realtors, which subscribes to a strict code of ethics.  Not all agents or brokers are realtors so it is important to find a true realtor to assist you in buying or selling your home.

Experience counts when you are looking for a realtor.  Ask questions about how long that they have been a licensed realtor.  It is also important that they have been a realtor in the area that you are selling or buying a new home.  Your realtor needs to be familiar with the area and what buyers and sellers are looking for when it comes to homes in order to best serve your needs.

After you have narrowed down the field of potential realtors it is time to look into their referrals to make your final selection.  Ask their referrals about the services the realtor provided.  What was their experience buying or selling a home with the realtor?  A great question to ask is if they were going to buy or sell their home again if they would choose to use that realtor again.

You need to use the right type of realtor for your needs.  Are you going to use a conventional realtor or a buyer’s broker?  A conventional realtor works mainly for the seller.  The commission they make is off of the purchase price of the home.  Conventional realtors work to sell a home fast for the most money possible.  If you are selling your home this will work well for you however if you are buying a home you may want to look into a buyer’s broker.

A buyer’s broker will represent you as a buyer.  Buyer’s agents are not working for the seller and therefore are focused on finding a home that is perfect for you.  There is one other type, a dual agent.  This type of agent is able to take clients that are selling homes and buying homes; they represent buyers and sellers.  This may or may not be the ideal situation for you but is one that is available.

The best piece of advice to find someone you can talk comfortably with.  You will want to be honest at all times and have someone that is available and will listen to you.  It is important that you choose someone that is a great communicator and that works with you to ease any and all questions and concerns you may have.

Lake and Land Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor out of Pinckney, Michigan serving homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Hamburg, Pinckney and Howell.  More information can be found at http://www.lakelandmi.com/.

Buyers Guide To Lakefront Property

Buying a house on a lake is a dream for many families. When it comes to buying a lake home it is different from buying any other home. There is a detailed list of do’s and don’ts to consider. You will find a list of considerations below that will make your job finding a lake home simple.

First decide the location of where to begin looking. Take into consideration the distance from your base home as well as the distance from family; what is the maximum amount of time you are willing to dedicate to traveling from one location to the other. For most people lake homes are usually kept within two to three hours from their base home, family and friends. When it comes to going to the lake you will want a retreat to go that family and friends can visit. Any more than three hours and the adventure takes a turn from a weekend getaway to a full blown vacation. It is hard for most people to take full blown vacations several times throughout the summer but weekend getaways can be taken on a regular basis.

Consider the weather in the location you are hoping to purchase a lake home. Are you looking for a strict summer lake house for summer boating fun and such or are you looking for an all-weather, all sport location. Many lake homes can be purchase in locations where the weather is perfect for four season adventures. The important part is to purchase a lake home in a location that suits your desires.

Find a realtor that specializes in lakeside living and recreational home purchases. This is important because only a person with significant experience in lake properties will have accurate information on lake house living. Real estate agents with knowledge of lakefront homes will help be able to provide accurate information to your questions as well as provide a smooth transition on finding a lake front property that is perfect for you.

Another question to decide upon is if you want to live directly on the lake or if a home with lake access is more appropriate. You will be able to get more home for your dollar in a home that has lake access but is not directly on the lake. Homes on the lake are more expensive and often smaller because you are getting the prime real estate and view of the lake. Do you want the luxury of walking out onto the back patio and staring into the lake or are you okay with crossing the road and sitting on the dock?

When it comes to purchasing a lake front home there is also a list of don’ts to consider as well. One thing many eager lake front home buyers do is set their mind on buying a lakefront home and instantly purchase a boat. This is something that should never be done. You may find the lake home of your dreams and discover the boat you purchased doesn’t fit into that ideal image; then what? Wait until you have purchased the home and then buy the boat. Some lakes only allow certain sixe boats and motors. Don’t waste money on a boat that is too big or to fast; wait until you find the perfect location and purchase a boat to fit.

Don’t seek out lake homes. Allow your realtor, lakefront specialist, to find homes that fit within your desired budget and requirements. If you go out seeking homes you may find yourself falling in love with a home that is well beyond your budget and perhaps listed at well over fair market value. Where does this leave you? A lake specialist will only show you homes that fit within the criteria that you have set forth. You won’t find yourself falling in love with homes that don’t fit with your needs just because you fell in love with it curb side.

Don’t assume the property comes with the home. When you purchase a lakefront home it is important to note that the land surrounding your home is not always yours. Often the property in which lakefront homes resides is owned by the DNR, local city or possibly a lake association. Again, using a realtor that specializes in lakefront reality and recreational homes for sale is most important.

When it comes to finalizing the purchase on your lake home you will find a great sense of satisfaction. With lakefront living comes relaxation, fun and time making memories. Using an expert that specializes in lake property will allow you to go through the buying process stress free and ready to unwind and let go of the stress that comes with everyday life while enjoying your weekend retreat.

Lake and Land Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor out of Pinckney, Michigan serving homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Hamburg, Pinckney and Howell. Information can be found at http://www.lakelandmi.com

Needed Preparations Before You Purchase A Home

When it comes time to purchase a home it is vital to be conscience of the task at hand and its importance. Purchasing a home should be done with caution, preparation and with the assistance of a licensed real estate professional.  The purchase of a home, for most people, is the most expensive purchase they will make.  Whether this is the first time you are buying a home or the fifth there are preparations to be made, steps to be followed and caution to be had throughout.

The very first step in the home purchase process is known as the preparation stage.  Buying a home is not something that can be done on impulse.  The first part of preparing to buy a home is to know what the real estate market is like around you.  Is it a buyer or sellers’ market?  Are homes mainly be sold as is or in tip top shape?  What do the sales projections look like for the area or neighborhoods you are concentrating on?

During the preparatory phase you will also want to look at your finances.  It is important that your credit score is accurate and reflects up to date information on your debt.  You will also want to have a detailed report of income as well as expenses.  Your debt to income ratio along with savings will help mortgage lenders to determine your preapproval amount.  During this stage you should find a mortgage broker or lender that you trust and would like to work with.  This may take some research on your end.  Remember not all lenders are created equally.  Find a mortgage lender that is thorough in providing you detailed options along with the pros and cons of each available mortgage.  Finding the best terms along with a low annual interest rate is imperative in helping you to finance the purchase of your new home.

After you have followed the necessary steps in preparing to buy a home you actually get into the actual buying phase.  This is when patience as well as diligence come into play.  Many people interested in buying a home consider this the fun stage of buying a home.  Your realtor will pull from a list from the IDX records, MLS listings and other sources to find homes that meet your criteria.  It is essential that your criteria be broken into a few sets including things the home must have for you to purchase it and those luxuries that would be nice but that aren’t critical deal breakers.  Once your realtor has found you the perfect home and you decide that this is the one step three can occur.

During phase three of the buying process you will submit your offer, have your offer accepted and close on your new home.  Of course this is simplified a bit.  A lot of work is done behind the scenes between your mortgage lender, the title company and the real estate agency. There is a lot that needs to be processed and solidified before the home is yours however after a few hours signing papers the house will be yours.

Lake and Land Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor out of Pinckney, Michigan serving homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Hamburg, Pinckney and Howell. Information can be found at http://www.lakelandmi.com