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- What People Say...
- Evelyn´s Tips on Finding the Right Home
What People Say...
"I would recommend Evelyn to anyone. She was much more than a Real Estate Agent-she became someone we really trusted. She went way above the call of duty helping us sell our home. She explained every detail so we could understand. Evelyn made our move much easier than we anticipated. We were extremely happy with our experience with her."
- Ethel V.
Evelyn helped make the real estate experience positive because of her "excellent thinking and superior planning"
- Mariblle M.
"Communication was on-going, professional and courteous."
- Susan D.
"The transaction was very smooth, she was very helpful."
- Theresa L.
"She always kept us informed"
- Don V
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Evelyn´s Tips on Finding the Right Home
With all the choices in today´s market, how do you go about finding the right home? It seems the more research you do, the more alternatives you discover.
It´s important to visualize your needs and plan ahead. "Know what you want in a home, what´s important to you, and what you can live without," Evelyn Rogers, REALTOR® of the Real Estate Brokers International says. "Many of us start out with a champagne taste and a beer pocketbook, so it´s important to be realistic," she adds.
Where and what you buy will affect you for as long as you live in the house. "Get your priorities in order before you start looking or even talk to a real estate broker or sales associate," Rogers says.
For first-time home buyers this is a new experience, so it´s especially important to do your homework. If you currently own a home, you know exactly what´s lacking. You may need another bedroom or bathroom, or a good school nearby.
First, decide where you want to live. A big part of the answer hinges on where and how you earn a living. If your job requires a lot of reading or is quite stressful, public transportation may offer valuable time to sit quietly. "Regardless, you should practice the commute in rush hour before you make a commitment. A seemingly quiet road can transform into gridlock during peak hours," Rogers cautions.
People with children have other major considerations: school and safety. If you plan to send your children to private schools, you can live where you want assuming you can easily arrange transportation. On the other hand, a lavish public school system may indicate high local real estate taxes. Check them out.
Obviously, lifestyle is an important consideration. People who frequently dine out, go dancing and attend the theater probably belong in the city or a close-in suburb. "In other words, make sure you´re in close proximity to the things that matter most," Rogers says.
It used to be that homes came in a limited variety, but today, you have many choices. In addition to the traditional single-family home, you can buy a townhouse, condominium or apartment condominium or co-op.
In planned unit developments (PUDs), you can find almost any combination. In condos and other such communities, make sure the rules and regulations, as well as the by-laws, match your lifestyle. This type of housing is great for people who want to own their own space without being responsible for mowing the lawn or repairing the roof; a management company handles that.
On the other hand, you´ll pay fees for these services. "In addition to checking the documents and financial soundness of the homeowner´s association, you must determine if the monthly fees are worth the services and additional amenities such as a swimming pool or exercise room," Rogers explains.
Affordability can be a factor not only in the type of housing, but whether it´s new or an existing home.
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