Doug Barry, Associate Broker
   LONG & FOSTER REAL ESTATE, INC.

                     Licensed in Maryland
  Direct Line 410-207-4751  Office 410-583-5700  

 

        


Tips For Buying A Home
  (Click on any heading to get more details)

Talk To A Real Estate Agent Before You Do Anything

Real estate transactions have become increasingly more complex over the years. Many sales contracts in Maryland now exceed 40 to 50 pages. When things are not done correctly, a buyer may endure endless headaches and heartaches in the attempt to purchase a new home. I can guide you through every phase of the transaction, so that the entire process will be worry-free.   Learn more

Get Pre-Approved With A Lender

Once you have met with an agent, it is important to get pre-approved for financing right away. Often this can be accomplished in less than 24 hours. This is important to make sure we are only looking at properties that are in your price range, so that you don't waste your time looking at houses that you wouldn't want if you knew you could afford more, and so you don't get your hopes up about a house that is out of your reach. Getting pre-approved will also help us find and handle any problems that you may not be aware of, and will allow us to present an offer to a seller that is backed up by the negotiating strength of a pre-approval.   Learn more

Determine What Is Really Important To You

Many buyers could quickly list the features and amenities that they think they would like in their new home, but often times, the property meeting that exact description does not exist, or is not available. Some buyers will get discouraged by this, but more often, when a buyer thinks carefully about what is really important to them, I can find them a home with just the right qualities to make them truly happy!
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Get Insurance As Soon As You Have A Contract

A couple of years ago, a buyer could have waited until fairly close to the settlement to get an insurance, and not had any problem. Since then, world events and a few environmental issues have hit the insurance industry hard. It is now becoming increasingly difficult to get homeowner's insurance, and if a buyer waits to look for insurance, they may not have it in time for settlement. If a buyer has a loan, settlement will be delayed until they are able to get homeowner's coverage.
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Get a Home Inspection

No matter how perfect a house looks, there can still be hidden defects on a property. Many problems may not even be apparent to a seller. A little money spent now may head off numerous headaches down the road.     Learn more

Make Sure You Understand Everything

I'm here to help you! If there is anything you don't understand, don't hesitate to ask. No question is insignificant. It's important to me that every step of the home-buying process is completely clear, so that you don't get any unpleasant surprises.
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