First-Time Home Buyers

Top 10 Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Top 10 Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Avoid common pitfalls like skipping pre-approval, underestimating costs, or rushing into a decision. Learn from the Shaina McAndrews Team how to navigate the process with confidence and find your dream home!

Home Sweet Haunted? Unmasking Seller Disclosures This Halloween Season!

Home Sweet Haunted? Unmasking Seller Disclosures This Halloween Season!

When purchasing a home, understanding what sellers must disclose can be crucial for making an informed decision. In Pennsylvania, seller disclosure laws are designed to protect buyers from unexpected surprises that could significantly impact their investment.

Labor Day Special: Spotlight on Montgomery County’s Most Desirable Neighborhoods

Labor Day Special: Spotlight on Montgomery County’s Most Desirable Neighborhoods

As Labor Day approaches, Montgomery County, PA, comes alive with vibrant community events and activities. This holiday weekend offers a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the county’s most desirable neighborhoods, each with unique charm and amenities that make them particularly attractive to potential buyers.

The Journey to Your First Home: A Comprehensive Guide

The Journey to Your First Home: A Comprehensive Guide

The journey to homeownership is a significant milestone, one filled with decisions, discoveries, and dreams come true. With the right guidance and a trusted partner by your side, it becomes an adventure to cherish. As your dedicated Realtor, my promise is to be with you at every step, turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality. If you're ready to embark on this journey, I'm here, ready to guide, support, and celebrate with you.

7 Home Buying Myths

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Home Buying Myths

Buying a home can seem like a huge undertaking. You don’t need to be a first time home buyer to find the process overwhelming. There is so much information available, how can you tell what’s true and what’s a myth? Understanding the difference can help you make the best decision for you and your family goals.

Top Home Buying Myths – And the Truth

·    The First Step is finding the Right House – Before you head out shopping, speak with a lender to understand your financial options and how much house you can afford.

·      You Can’t Buy a Home Without Perfect Credit – The truth is there are many loans available which still offer good interest rates for those without that perfect score.

·      You Need 20% Down Payment – First time home buyers can use FHA financing for as low as 3.5% down. There are other programs too, such as VA and some conventional loans with less than 20% down also.

·      You Don’t Need an Agent – An agent not only knows the market and can help you with value, but also customary charges, negotiations and solutions to common hiccups.

·      Schools Don’t Matter if you don’t have Kids – The neighborhood is always important to home values, regardless of whether you yourself have children.

·      New Homes Don’t Need a Home Inspection – Every home should have a home inspection by a licensed inspector to check for existing or potential problems.

Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you’re likely to make in your lifetime. Take the time you need to understand the process and learn from the professionals; don’t assume that everything you read is true.

The Internet Isn't Your Agent

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The Internet Can’t Replace Your Agent 

We live in the information age; the Internet offers advice on every topic and real estate is no exception. With more and more home buyers starting their home search online, they are bombarded with advice and information – it can be easy to think that you can learn everything you need to know just by reading articles online.

The truth is your real estate agent does much more than answer your questions and open doors with a special key. A professional real estate agent will be there every step of the way. They have the experience necessary to navigate the complicated home buying process and solve common hiccups that present themselves in every real estate transactions.

Your real estate agent is a local professional. They will start by presenting themselves to the buyer’s agent as someone who will work with them to see the transaction through to a successful conclusion. They have a network of professionals who will work as a team to help you through the process. These include such professionals as: lenders, title reps, escrow officers, transaction coordinators, home inspectors, contractors and handymen, among others.

Most importantly, your agent is your ally in the home buying process. They negotiate on your behalf – armed with experience and understanding of customary charges, costs and terms.

They will ensure that the price you pay for the home is fair for the condition and neighborhood. They will negotiate repairs, if needed and make sure you are protected with the proper contingencies.

The Internet offers lots of great information, but the most important step you can take when buying a new home, is hiring a local professional real estate agent. Their knowledge and expertise can’t be found by reading an article or two online.

Contact me today with your questions, concerns, or anything else.

Priority Tasks Before Moving In

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Priority Tasks Before Moving In

 

You did it. You moved into a new home you love and now you’re dreaming of how you’re going to decorate it. But before getting into all of that, there are still some other tasks that need to be at the top of your priority list.

 

Changing the Locks

 

Double check them even if you’ve been told that there are new locks installed. It’s better to take safety measures and know that no one else has keys to your home. Call in a locksmith if you want to spend a little money or it can be done yourself.

 

Call an Exterminator

 

A great exterminator can take care of any pests that have been lurking in your home.

 

Get the House Cleaned up

 

If it isn’t already, clean out the refrigerator, wipe down counters, cabinets, oven if needed, and plumbing fixtures. Prior occupants might have had pets or young children so it’s best to steam clean. This will free your floors of any junk or allergens.

 

Mechanical Equipment Cleaned

 

Getting your heating and cooling systems cleaned is crucial and make sure to get a service contract just in case it stops working suddenly.

 

Get some Closet Organizers

 

Keep in mind of where everything is going to get placed so it can be accommodated in your closet space. A shelf or a coat hook can go a long way for making room or organization.

 

Meet the Neighbors


You want to reach out to your neighbors as soon as possible. It’s good to establish yourself within the community and you can get advice on some home repairs like which plumber to use.

Having these as priorities will help you move into a clean, working home. And then, you’re ready to move in with all your belongings and start making it yours!