NE TEXAS Real Estate News

Ready to own a home? Or, if you're already a proud homeowner, do you want to throw a great cookout? This month's newsletter will help you to do both in Paris plus if you're planning a move, I've got a few helpful tips for that too. Read on and have a great month.

Six Steps to Homeownership

Step 1 – Set the foundation
Before starting your home search, there are a lot of things you should think about. The first being your credit because it’s the most important factor in whether you’ll be a homeowner or renting for a little longer than you'd like. Create a budget so that you know how much you can afford to borrow, and pay monthly, for a home. Ensuring your mortgage payment is no more than 30 percent of your monthly income is a good rule of thumb.

Step 2 – Decide on what you want
Put together a list of items you want: school districts, neighborhoods, and access to highways. Research and choose the types of property features you want in a house. Don't be shy! You can narrow your list later.

Step 3 – Contact a real estate agent
You'd talk about your real estate needs, and your plans. And, you'd discuss everything from neighborhoods, schools, the mortgage and housing industries, to any other factors that affect your buying decision. Your agent can also help during the loan process.

Step 4 – Find your dream house
Using your list of must-haves, your agent will show you houses that are a good fit for you. As you tour houses, you should point out what things you like and don't like. Often, buyers amend their list of must-haves, and your agent will trim it down to the houses you'll love.

Step 5 – Negotiate the deal
It's common to receive a counter offer. You'll be empowered to choose whether or not to take the counter offer, present your counter offer, or refuse the offer.

Step 6 – Close the deal
Upon finalizing the contract, you'll work with your lender to close the loan. If you've been pre-qualified, this won't be a long process. Then, you'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) detailing closing costs from your lender, and your agent will help you close on your home.

Remember that if you or someone you know will house hunt soon, let me know. You can email me at sherrydicksonteam@gmail.com or call me at (903) 361-2733 any time.

Upcoming Open Houses

Make sure to check out my upcoming open houses.
Click here to see my listings. I hope to see you there!

Planning a Move?

If you’re thinking of relocating, make sure you’ve got your ducks in a row. Here are a few to-dos that are often forgotten when you’re moving:

— Have your car serviced if you’re driving.

— Pack and label boxes that you’ll open first for each room. Using the kitchen as an example, this box would have dishwashing liquid, baggies, and a couple of pans.

— Double check with your insurance company to find out their policies on covering your belongings while you’re traveling to your new place.

— Refill any prescriptions a week or two before you leave.

— Get referrals from your doctors for new physicians in your new city.

— Keep important papers, like contracts, with you in your car.

— Remember to remove valuables from your bank safe deposit box. .

— Try to avoid stress!