bayla
Love my two kiddos :)
Member since 8/06 7178 total posts
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When should we meet with a realtor?
So we are looking to either buy or rent a new place in the next 6 months. Our lease in our current rental is up in mid-June. At what point should we start looking at places. I dont want to do it to far in advance b/c then we may have to still pay for this place to finish the lease. I also dont want to be looking for a place last minute and have nothing or slim pickings (what happened with our current place).
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Re: When should we meet with a realtor?
if looking to buy, first I would go to the lender and have them run your numbers and finances and see what I got pre-approved for. some real estate agents may require this before even showing you homes. they like to know what're you're approved for and in what range, so they don't waste their time - or yours.
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Re: When should we meet with a realtor?
I think you should schedule a consultation with a realtor now. A good realtor will listen to your personal circumstances and goals, and can explain the pros and cons of buying v. renting.
I always like to have a buyer consultation with a potential buyer BEFORE I take them out to start looking at homes. I find it helps to explain the buying process at the outset, and answer any questions they may have. Also, I can advise buyers on the steps they need to take before they buy (such as getting prequalified) and can advise them on
Even though rentals are quicker and not as involved, I still like to meet with rental customers, too, to find out more about them and what they are looking for, and also to set realistic expectations about what type of property they can expect to rent for their budget. It also helps to identify any challenges or potential obstacles, such as pets or poor credit, upfront.
There's no downside to meeting with a realtor now, even if you won't be ready to seriously look for a few months. Just make the realtor aware of your timeline upfront. Then, when the time comes, you will be ready and prepared to move forward quickly.
If you decide to rent, you really only want to look a month or so before you are ready to move. Most rentals are available for immediate occupancy, and landlords want to get their vacancy filled asap, so they can start collecting rent. So it wouldn't make sense to look now for a rental that will be needed in 6 months.
If you decide to buy, keep in mind that it is going to take 2 to 3 months, on average, to close on a house, even if you find the house you want to buy tomorrow. Once you have an accepted offer, you have the home inspection and then the attorneys prepare the contracts. It can take a couple of weeks for this to be done and for both parties to sign. After that, you apply for your mortgage, and I find that many banks are taking 45-60 days to close loans.
Let me know if I can help you! I'd be happy to meet with you guys in person to help you figure out how to proceed. I am a full-time realtor based in N. Bellmore (I work mostly in Nassau, but will go anywhere on LI, really).
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Jenhos
Maeve
Member since 6/05 3273 total posts
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Re: When should we meet with a realtor?
I would start now. It could take a awhile to find what you like and the process could take 3 months to close.
For us we went to contract in Oct but our sellers don't want to close until Jan so there is a 3 month wait off the bat.
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