Articles Tagged "Home Buying Tips"

When it comes to home styles, there are plenty of options to choose from. From Cape Cod to ranch, you will find homes in every size, shape, and design you may desire in Ridgewood, NJ. Our agents have seen and sold them all, and it is our pleasure to help you find the one that fits your budget and desired lifestyle best!

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Buying a home isn't as simple as looking at an advertisement, making a call, and writing a check. There are many steps and phases involved in the process, and preparing yourself ahead of time will make the process a little easier, less intimidating, and more efficient. Our agents are always ready to help you when you're ready to buy a home in Bergen County, NJ, and the following are some things our team can help you plan for, expect, and prepare for as the process moves forward.

• Do a Financial, Practical, and Emotional Inventory
  How are your finances? How does your credit score look? Do you have all the paperwork needed to secure the mortgage with the lender? Are you planning to retire in the home, move on in a few years as your career advances, or raise your family in the area? Answering these and many other questions is crucial for helping you decide whether to buy a home, as well as determining what type of home to buy, what kind of mortgage terms you can secure, and how much you can comfortably afford.

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A home inspection is an essential step in the house-buying process as the outcome informs your decision to purchase a property. A home inspector identifies any structural issues with a potential home to avoid surprises later on.

However, some inspectors are more rigorous than others. Our agents advise buyers interested in Ridgewood homes for sale to pre-screen several home inspectors. Be sure to ask these questions.

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Think it's impossible to buy one of these Ridgewood homes for sale unless you have 20% saved up? Well, maybe not.

A 20% down payment on a new home has always been the standard guideline. Saving enough reserves can be the single notable hurdle for prospective homebuyers. But it shouldn't have to be. You don't have to make a 20% down payment in today's real estate market. The only downside is that you'll have to pay mortgage insurance without 20% down, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

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Thinking about downsizing? Looking for a new house when you're an older adult is quite different from getting your foot in the property market as a youngster. On one hand, it's hard to let go of a house full of memories, but on the other, it's important to find a house that will support you as you age, like these Ridgewood homes for sale.

Here are some tips on what to look out for in a new home.

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Welcome to New Jersey! But before you become an official resident of the Garden State, it's important to invest some time planning your big move. Having a solid plan can save money and reduce stress while ensuring that you hit your target dates when moving from out of state. Our agents have some practical tips and advice to make your move to New Jersey go as smoothly as possible.

• Set Your Budget
  Your budget for moving will play an important role in planning, so it's helpful to plan how much you're willing to spend before making other decisions. In addition to the costs of moving your belongings, consider how you and your family will be traveling to your new home. No matter your budget, make sure to leave some breathing room to cover any unexpected costs.

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Our agents know financing is one of the big questions on buyers' minds. Whether you're looking for Ridgewood homes for sale or searching elsewhere in Bergen County, it's important to know what you can expect.

Throughout 2021, buyers and sellers alike experienced a housing market unlike any other in living memory. Buyers benefited from tremendous credit availability, often at historic low interest rates. This has enabled many to leap into the market far earlier than planned.

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Moving is never for the faint of heart, but a last-minute move? Look out, those of you who sold a house quicker than you thought, as well as buyers who suddenly have found a house to buy. You're going to need your strength, whether you're moving into that home you found among Ridgewood homes for sale, or you just sold one.

Never fear. Here are some tips from our agents that will help you calm down and get it together for your sudden move.

1. Hire movers or hire a truck, but decide quickly
   You'll need to decide right away if the job is too big for you and your helpers and you need to hire movers, or if you think you can handle it and just need a truck. If you hire movers, decide if you're going to pack yourself or ask movers to pack for you. Make at least three calls to moving truck companies and three to professional movers, but also look for reviews and recommendations before you go with the lowest bid. Decide as soon as possible, to avoid being told no trucks or moving vans are available when you want to move.

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Historic homes have a certain charm to them, don't they? Like these Ridgewood homes for sale, vintage homes represent the best of architectural style, be it Victorian, Queen Anne, or Gothic Renewal.

The allure of older homes is undeniable. But you need to get it right. Otherwise, you might end up with a money pit in need of endless repairs.

If you're in love with a historic home, here's a little guide detailing everything you need to know before buying an old house.

1. Get an Inspection (or Two)
   Things can get expensive fast. A home inspection is a fundamental part of any home-buying process. But the stakes are even higher with an old house, and a basic inspection may not be enough.
   
   Sadly, some homes are beyond salvageable and would require more rehabilitation than they're worth. Finding an inspector who specializes in historic homes could give you the reassurance you need.

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