Making the Right Decisions in Fort Wayne Real Estate
When it comes to Fort Wayne real estate, there are a number of questions that you should be asking yourself when you get involved in the Fort Wayne home buying or selling process. Answer them wrong and you’ll leave the process filled with regret.
Here are a few Fort Wayne real estate tips to help you make decisions you’ll be happy you made.
What is My Budget?
One of the biggest Fort Wayne real estate questions you’ll be asking yourself is: “What can I afford?” This goes for both buying a Fort Wayne home or preparing a home for sale.
When you buy a Fort Wayne home you will not only be responsible for the mortgage, but all bills and repairs. Therefore, be sure to ask the seller or the service providers for a year’s worth of bills to give you a better idea of what you will pay for water, utilities and trash. This will allow you to get a better sense of what you will pay over the course of the year.
Fort Wayne home sellers will also have to consider what you can afford when it comes to remodeling and renovations in preparation for sale. Look at repairs and remodels that will actually add value versus what you think will make the home look good.
Decide what will add the most to the property within your budget and consider what sort of “construction mess” you’ll be able to handle.
If you can’t handle large projects and an abundance of sawdust and noise then maybe you should start with the smaller renovations first.
What are Your Family Needs?
Understanding that the move is a family decision means that the next questions you really need to answer are: “What does my family want and what neighborhood will be best?”
If you have children choosing near schools, parks, and practice fields should be a priority. Proximity to your job should also be considered for commute times.
Next, sit down with your family and ask them what they want in a Fort Wayne home. Have each person list two to three ‘must-haves’ and use these things as a set of criteria.
For future peace of mind, you will want everyone to be happy with the home that you choose.
Handle Your Emotions
Do your best to put your emotions aside when selling a Fort Wayne home; keep in mind that your home is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it given the current Fort Wayne market.
You’ve decided to sell the property so you need to prepare yourself for other opinions about it. Do the math to determine how much you stand to make from the sale of your home after commissions, closing costs and other fees are paid.
If this number isn’t one you are comfortable with then maybe you should consider waiting a little longer before selling or reconsider your expectations.
The bottom line is to prepare yourself before entering into the buying or selling world of Fort Wayne real estate. Both processes are difficult journeys full of many questions and decisions that you need to be comfortable making. But doing your work upfront can allow for a smoother experience throughout.