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CJ DelVecchio
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View CJ's listings on ColdwellBankerShaw.com
619 West State Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
607.272.4777
ext. 139
or CJ's Cell:
607.227.3016
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| Today's Mortgage Rates: | Tompkins Trust | CFCU | Elmira Savings Bank | Chemung Canal Trust |
--- Last Updated June 3, 2010 ---
So you're ready to buy a home...
Maybe it will be your first home, or perhaps you need a larger home. Or maybe you even are downsizing and want something more manageable. No matter what your level of need, CJ can help you prepare for the work ahead.»»» You will need a BUYER'S AGENT to give you a jump on the newest listings - especially if you're out of town or selling a house before buying. Ask me about the automatic email notification system that can update you on the market hourly, daily or weekly - depending on your needs and motivation!
Here are some practical steps to help you get started on your new home
FIRST-TIME BUYERS:
1. Prepare Yourself Financially...
- Review your credit report in advance
- Gather your tax returns from past 2 years
- Shop the local banks for current interest rates
- Build your savings account
- Get pre-qualified for your price range
- Consider your comfort level versus your financing level
- Consult a financial advisor or mortgage banker for help with all the above
2. Identify Your Housing Needs...
- Consider size needed now, next year, and five years from now
- Consider the resale value of a home
- Prioritize the amenities you want by a rating scale of 1 to 10
- Plan your timeline for moving
- Prepare a list of what you absolutely NEED vs. what you WANT in a home
3. Do Your Homework...
- Visit the neighborhoods at different times in the day
- Read the local newspapers or subscribe to a listserv in Ithaca
- Ask CJ for a free copy of "Our Schools," printed annually by the Ithaca Journal
- Ask CJ for a free copy of "Know Your Schools" printed by the League of Women Voters
- Newcomers: Arrange for a tour of Ithaca with CJ
RE-SALE or MORE EXPERIENCED BUYERS:1. Prepare Yourself Financially:
- Selling your current home first (ask CJ about a market analysis)
- Building your savings account
- Checking the tax laws with your accountant about capital gains tax
- Pre-qualifying yourself for your price range with Coldwell Banker's Affordability Calculator
2. Identify Your Housing Needs
- Consider minimum/maximum size needed
- Prioritize the amenities you want by a rating scale of 1 to 10
- Plan your timeline for moving; discuss this with your agent as well
CJ has specialized training as a Certified Buyer's Representative® - she can help you through the details of the transaction every step of the way.
"I take care of the details...so you can enjoy your life!" ABOUT BUYER AGENCY:
Finding and purchasing the right home can be difficult-especially when you're not sure who is involved. You need to understand the role that Buyer's Agents play in a real estate transaction. The more informed you are, the better choices you'll make, and the sooner you'll move into your home!
A Buyer's Agent is a real estate agent who is employed by and represents only you, the buyer, in a transaction. Although they work exclusively for the buyer, their compensation can be paid in a number of ways - by the buyer exclusively, the seller exclusively, or (most commonly) through a commission split with the seller's agent. Even if the seller or the seller's agent pays their fee, buyer's agents must always remain loyal to the buyer.
Buyer's agents can provide a number of services for you, including:
- Helping you determine how much you can afford to spend on a home
- Explaining available financing options
- Informing you of current real estate values, taxes, utility costs and other factors that will influence your opinion about a property
- Using the Multiple Listing Service to locate homes that suit your needs
- Selecting appropriate properties to view
- Revealing any information about a seller or property which may affect your purchase decision
- Advising you on your offer
- Presenting your offer to the sellers, and negotiating for the most favorable price and terms
- Helping you to evaluate counteroffers
- Helping you with the steps between offer acceptance and closing
- Being
YOUR advocate, always negotiating on your best behalf
Text about Buyer Agency from "The Key to Agency Relationships" available from The New York State Association of Realtors. (http://www.nysar.com)
Other Helpful Links about Buying and Buyer Agency:
Learn More About Buyer Agency
Let's Talk Real Estate - About Buyer Loyalty