HOME SOLUTIONS FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

Home ownership is by far the greatest American Dream.  Recent studies show that 40% of all home buyers are first-time buyers.  If you are deciding whether home ownership is right for you, consider the following information.  First-time buyers do not want to have to look back on their first home purchase regretfully.  With an Exclusive Buyer Agent on your team, a first-time buyer knows he/she has the advantage of knowledge working for you not against you.  From analyzing your preferences in style, to fielding options between existing homes, new construction, or for sale by owner, an exclusive buyer agent will help you achieve the best deal that most completely meets all of your needs and price range.

Christina Rickey as an exclusive buyer agent will counsel first-time buyers on interest rates, mortgage options, appreciation and inspections, plus construction draws and punch lists for new home purchases.  She will provide an answer to any real estate question you have.  In the case she doesn't have the answer, Christina has taken a pledge to find out who does have the answer and provide that to the home-buyer.

Buying a home in today's market is more difficult than ever before, especially for first-time buyers who might lack the experience of the full list of questions and concerns involved in home purchasing and home ownership.  In addition to financing and construction questions, there are things to consider like seller representations, home inspections, the quality and accessibility of local schools, zoning restrictions, neighborhood issues, the accessibility of public transportation, and much more. Christina is dedicated to making the buyer's experience fulfilling and successful, and she is especially attuned to the needs of first-time buyers.

 

HOME SOLUTIONS FOR MOVE-UP BUYERS

If you are a buyer who has purchased properties previously, you will benefit from having a proactive exclusive buyer agent on your team.  Buyers who have not made a home purchase recently will benefit from an exclusive buyer agent's expertise and knowledge because of the many changes in real estate transactions over the last few years.  Real estate transactions have grown increasingly complex, requiring intense due diligence and research before making a smart offer.  You need to understand the roles and duties of agents involved in a transaction before pledging to a purchase.

Buying up can mean multiple things to different buyers. For some, it means expanding the footprint of a home because of a growing family.  For others, it means relocating into a pricier neighborhood.  An exclusive buyer agent can advise buyers on community trends and can recommend neighborhoods that are resilient in a fluctuating market.  Just because you have bought and sold real estate in the past, there are always new questions to ask:  Will I be able to sell my existing home?  What is happening in the Birmingham Real Estate Market?  How do I know if I am getting a good deal?  What do I need to know about Chinese drywall, mold, radon, etc?  Has the home buying and loan process changed since I bought my last house?  To answer these questions, Christina keeps up with the Birmingham real estate market, products, neighborhoods, and area happenings through continuing education, real estate designations, trade journals, conventions, and by aligning herself with professionals in the industry.  To keep you better informed of the Birmingham real estate market, Christina has also placed the Birmingham MLS Monthly Market Report on the Home Search Solutions website.  Click the Monthly Market Report tab on the left hand side toolbar.   After you have done your homework, asked the right questions, and decided you want to purchase a new home, call Christina Rickey.   She will be your advocate all along the way.  

 

HOME SOLUTIONS FOR SENIORS

Whether you are a senior seeking good representation in your next home purchase or if your parents need solid representation locally or at a distance, an exclusive buyer agent is the answer. Christina Rickey as your exclusive buyer agent can clarify details for buyers ensuring that their retirement years are truly golden. 

Christina has her own aging parents, and from this experience, she shows seniors the respect they deserve. It is the little courtesies that distinguish her other Realtors, like referring to a senior by "Mr. or Mrs." rather than assuming a first-name basis is acceptable when meeting senior clients for the first time.  Increasingly, retirement communities have specific requirements-from what vehicles can be parked on the street to the minimum age of inhabitants.  An exclusive buyer agent can clarify these details for buyers before it's too late to get out of a purchase.  Some senior residences offer transition options; movement from independent living to assisted living as needed.  As your exclusive buyer agent, she can help you get full disclosure to ensure the residence meets your needs now and in the future.  To better serve the aging population, Christina has also earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation (SRES), through the National Association Realtors.  Read more about the SRES designation by clicking its tab to the left on this website.

 

HOME SOLUTIONS WHEN BUYING FORECLOSED PROPERTY

Buyers have never had as many options as they do today to pick up foreclosed property at reduced rate over comparable homes.  Buying a foreclosed property however is not as streamlined as a traditional purchase and that is where the benefit of using an exclusive buyer agent comes in.  No matter if you are a first-time homebuyer or a savvy real estate investor, it is especially reassuring to have an exclusive buyer agent who is experienced in foreclosure properties working on your side of the transaction.  Christina Rickey, as your exclusive buyer agent, will explain the differences in foreclosure status and how an offer is tendered depending on that status:   If the home is in the early stages of foreclosure when the bank might entertain a offer.  If the home is listed on the MLS and/or being shown for sale, plus the history of offers made on the property that the bank did not accept.  If the home is being auctioned either online or on-site and the minimum bid and cash down-payment required.

The foreclosure process is a complex one with a myriad of variables that affect the purchase process and price. These factors depend on the policies and practices of the original lender and differences in state laws, logistics that take a true expert to sift through. Then there is the condition of the home.  Foreclosed properties can be in dire need of repair.  In some cases, angry former owners have purposely damaged the home and removed appliances and fixtures.  The run-down condition can also be a reflection of the former owner's financial struggle that prohibited even routine upkeep.  The condition of the house may affect a buyer's ability to qualify for an FHA loan, Christina can explain those requirements as well.  Christina Rickey, as an experienced exclusive buyer agent, will tell you that not every foreclosed property is a smart purchase even if the price is dramatically reduced.  If you are a first-time buyer, she will not limit the showings to just foreclosed properties, but will insist that you also see a number of other residences on the market so that you can make an informed comparison.  If you are an investor, Christina will perform a market analysis and due diligence to define whether a prospective REO (Real Estate Owned) property, or lender-owned property is a smart buying decision.  As on-going continuing education, Christina recently completed coursework to receive the Short Sale Foreclosure Specialist designation presented by the National Association of Realtors.

 

HOME SOLUTIONS WHEN BUYING NEW CONSTRUCTION

Each year, 70% of homebuyers look first at new construction. Thousands of these homebuyers are lured by the ability to upgrade, alter floor plans, and establish the first occupancy of a property.  Before you commit, be prepared with the right actions to ensure the quality of your home purchase. 

First, enlist your own exclusive buyer agent:  For whatever reason, many new construction buyers accept the services of the on-site sales agent.  Be aware, the on-site agent always represents the builder.  You should be represented by a real estate professional who is committed to you!

Establish the home cost without upgrades:  Model homes are typically filled to the max with every imaginable upgrade.  Feel free to ask how much the model costs as you see it.  Be aware-advertised starting prices will vary dramatically from the final upgraded price. 

Pick the right builder and developer:  Working with a builder is like a short-term marriage.  Ask for references from the on-site sales agents.  Do your own investigation of the developers previous projects, length in business and complaints filed with business bureaus.  Consider resale characteristics.  The allure of being the first to occupy a home sometimes clouds a secondary location or poor craftsmanship.

Require a home inspection:  Never waive the right to an inspection, the benefits far out-weigh the costs and could save you numerous headaches and expenses later.  New construction is not immune from defects and lack-luster workmanship.  Hire an ACHI certified professional, not Uncle Bert.  Perform the inspection prior to closing, and make a list of punch list items to be completed after closing.

As you can see, there is much to consider when purchasing a newly constructed home, and the transaction differs from buying an existing home in many ways.  Buyers of a newly-built home have several exercises to go through including the punch list and warranties on new appliances that a buyer of an existing home does not face.  Having a professional exclusive buyer agent on your side of the transaction is a plus when it comes to dealing with a builder or developer who has an obligation to deliver the finishes and materials specified in a contract.  Christina Rickey has worked for many years in new construction, has built two homes of her own, and has the experience to help you through the new construction process.  Christina also attended the Dennis Walsh Institute and obtained the Certified New Home Specialist Certification through CRS.