Moving to Greenwich is a big step, and it will take planning and preparation. This is especially true for buyers seeking their first home or relocating from out of town. With so many steps involved in purchasing a property, anyone looking for homes for sale in Greenwich should start preparing well in advance of when they want to invest. Read on for top tips from
Russell and Mark Pruner to help streamline the buying process.
Preparing to buy a home
Getting a head start on certain preliminary aspects of the home-buying journey will help ensure that everything goes without a hitch. For instance, buyers should ensure their finances are in order and determine the amount they’d like to spend on a home to put away enough for a down payment. Once those basics are set, buyers can begin the homebuying process.
Hiring a Greenwich realtor
Teaming up with an expert Greenwich real estate team is the most surefire way to reach success. In addition to finding the perfect homes for their clients to view, local agents can assist with each step of the buying journey while helping clients strategize how to put in offers, where to look for homes, and when to step into the market officially. Savvy local agents know when prices are highest, when inventory is lowest, when demand is most competitive, and how buyers should make their offer depending on the season. They are in tune with the local housing scene and are well-equipped with the knowledge and insight to help buyers stay focused on their goals even when challenges arise.
Financial audits and pre-approval
In order to effectively and thoroughly prepare for a house hunt, buyers should audit their finances, looking for ways to improve their credit score and debt-to-income ratio. Credit score improvement can take anywhere from six months to a year, while paying off debts more aggressively could also take time. That’s why buyers must avoid jumping immediately into looking at available properties before taking a closer look at their budget. While looking at homes is exciting, it’s better in the long run if buyers are fully financially ready to invest before finding a home they can’t live without.
It is also essential that buyers apply for pre-approval. Buyers should research local mortgage lenders and see what types of interest rates and loans are being offered. Determining the lender they’d like to work with will allow buyers to check off one of the more essential boxes early in the process.
Pre-approval is necessary, as it shows the seller that the buyer is serious and financially prepared. During pre-approval, a lender will run through a review of the client’s financial portfolio, examining factors like credit card use, debt repayment history, and current income. Then, they’ll provide their client with the loan value they can afford. This will give them a price range to focus on during the home search. Of course, a buyer might choose not to use the entirety of the loan but instead invest in a home that requires borrowing a smaller amount.
Researching the local market
Once a buyer is ready to get the ball rolling on their investment, research is a great place to start. Buyers should look into the Greenwich real estate market to understand how much homes are typically selling for. Are there many homes on the market? Are they selling quickly? This information can help buyers know what to expect from their experience. An expert local agent will have the necessary insight into the nuances of the housing market to guide their client through the entire process.
Property types, styles, and features
Aside from finances, buyers will want to explore the kinds of homes they’re interested in most. How many bedrooms and bathrooms are needed? Is square footage or a large backyard important? Single-family homes for sale in Greenwich, CT, come in various designs, such as Georgian, Colonial, and modern styles, to name a few. Thinking through the types of properties desired and the features that would serve a buyer and their family best will make the actual house hunt much more manageable. Then, agents can narrow down a buyer's options to only those properties that fit their wish list the best.
Buying a home
Viewing houses and preparing offers is often the most exciting part of the entire experience, as buyers finally get to explore their options and imagine themselves at home in a beautiful piece of Greenwich real estate. But once viewings start, the process is only halfway done. Buyers can expect to work even more closely with their agents to navigate offers, inspections, mortgage confirmation, and closing.
When and how to make an offer
An agent will have ample advice on when and how a buyer should start making offers. Expert agents will advise their clients on making the most strategic offers and getting the timing right. Agents are well-versed in each step of the negotiation process, from submitting a competitive offer to navigating counter offers with confidence and professionalism.
Hiring an inspector
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
A key step after submitting an offer and having it accepted is hiring a home inspector. Home inspectors will thoroughly examine a property from top to bottom, inside and out, considering everything from the home’s foundation and structure to its walls, floors, and roof. Heating and cooling units, electrical features, and plumbing should all be included. That way, a buyer knows whether specific issues exist that are dealbreakers or whether everything is as it should be. If the inspection report is clean, your agent will advise you on the next steps, such as removing contingencies and moving forward.
Securing a mortgage and final steps
We’re nearing the finish line! The next step is to have the home appraised to ensure that its sale price matches its value. If the appraisal comes back lower, the buyer can open up negotiations with the seller.
Once a final price is settled, the buyer will work with their chosen lender to complete their mortgage application. This will ensure they can secure the loan they need and lock in a mortgage at their preferred interest rate. Then, the agent and buyer will conduct a final walkthrough of the property to confirm that any repairs were completed as agreed upon and to check for any additional damages. After tackling a stack of paperwork and exchanging payment, the new journey of homeownership can begin!
Ready to get started?
If you’re interested in buying a home on the Greenwich real estate market, work with Russell and Mark Pruner for guidance you can count on. As dynamic real estate professionals with decades of experience, Russell and Mark have earned awards for their service to clients across Connecticut. When you’re ready to move into the next phase of the home-buying process, reach out to Russell and Mark Pruner for an exclusive look into the world of luxury estates for sale in Greenwich.
*Header Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
