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Showing posts with the label buying your first home

4 Steps To Take BEFORE Buying A Home

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The moment you very first think about buying a house at the Lake of the Ozarks , it's time to take action. Buying a home is a big step in life, and the process usually takes several months from start to finish. That said, you can never know when you will stumble across the home of your dreams, so it's a good idea to begin preparations sooner than later! Because a house is most likely the largest financial investment you will ever make in your lifetime, it's important to take time to prepare. If you are thinking about potentially searching for homes for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks in the next few months, it's time to start taking steps to set yourself up for success. STEP 1: Make A Budget A house is a huge investment. There are lots of costs associated with owning your own home, such as your mortgage payment, utilities, remodels, landscaping, and any necessary repairs. In order to be confident you're not biting off more than you can chew, it's imp...

What Is The Best Time Of the Month To Close?

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You may not realize it if this is your first time buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks , but the time of month that you close on your home can have a significant impact on your finances. There is no "right" or "wrong" time of the month to close, but your desired closing date should match your financial needs. Our Lake of the Ozarks real estate agents are here to help you weigh the pros and cons. Reduced Closing Costs If you're looking to save as much money at closing as possible, closing at the end of the month will probably be your best bet. You won't be making your first mortgage payment at closing, but you will be required to pay interest for every day that you own the home. If you close on May 28th, you would only have to pay interest for four days (28th, 29th, 30th, and 31st). If you close in the beginning of the month, on the other hand, you will have to pay several more days' worth of interest.  Closing at the end of the month wi...

5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying Your First Home

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Are you thinking about buying your first home at the Lake of the Ozarks ? Congratulations! Buying your first home is a big step, and it's incredibly exciting. As experienced real estate agents at the Lake , we have learned a few tricks that can make the process of buying your first home much easier. If you're getting ready to buy your first home, ask yourself these questions. Where do you see yourself in five years? This isn't just an interview question. Before you can find your perfect first home at the Lake, you have to understand what your long term homeownership goals are.  Will you raise children in that house?  Do you plan on moving again in a few years? The length of time you plan to spend in your first home will determine how big of a house you need and what type of mortgage loan you may want to try for, to just name a few factors. What factors are non-negotiable? The odds of finding a home that meets every single one of your desired criteria are slim, so...

6 Tips For Choosing Your Perfect Home!

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Whether you are a seasoned buyer or are just now testing out the waters, choosing a new home is an exciting time in in your life. It's a chance to start fresh - to move away from all the old annoyances and create a brand new environment.  Buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks is no exception! But with so many different types of properties and views to pick from, choosing your new home can seem overwhelming at times. How can you be certain that the new home you pick is perfect for you and your family? Here are a few key concepts to consider in order to make sure you find your ideal home ! 1. Do The Math. This seems obvious, but we cannot stress its importance enough. Before looking too closely at any houses, run the numbers and find an ideal price for your new home. Then determine the maximum price you can afford. These two numbers will give you a range to work with as you begin your house hunt.  2. Set Your Priorities. Sit down with your spouse or your fami...

8 Tips for Buying Your First Home

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If you've made the decision to buy your first Lake of the Ozarks Home , then Congratulations!!   The process of finding, selecting and purchasing a new home is an exciting adventure.  With so many factors to consider, it is best to make sure you have some guidelines in place to ensure that you find your perfect home at the best price.   Here are a few tips to consider when purchasing your first Lake of the Ozarks Home ! Make a list of "must haves" and share them with your Lake of the Ozarks Realtor .  This will streamline the process and help you avoid looking at homes that do not interest you.  Determine things like:  how many bedrooms/bathrooms, lakefront vs lakeview, school district, amenities, distance from work/school etc. Limit the number of properties you view each day.   If you find a home that interests you, drive by the home at different times of the day. Look past interior cosmetics and decor.  The owners decor will be gone it ...