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Thinking of Buying?
Meet CJ DelVecchio
Testimonials
» Buying?
Selling?
Renting?
Building?
Ithaca Condos
Ithaca Links
Ithaca Kudos
CJ's SOLDS
CJ's Blog
Email CJ!
or Call/Text:
607.227.3016
Thinking of Buying?
No matter what your level of need, CJ can help you prepare for the work ahead. She has over 15 years experience helping buyers purchase homes in the greater Ithaca area!
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...
- Build your savings account for downpayment and closing costs
- Review your credit report at Myfico.com
- Gather your tax returns from past 2 years
- Shop the local banks for current interest rates:
Tompkins Trust CFCU Elmira Savings Bank Chemung Canal Trust
- Get pre-qualified for your price range
- Consider your comfort level for mortgage payment versus what the bank will loan you
- Consult a financial advisor or mortgage banker for help with all the above
- Check First-Time Buyer Programs that may work for you:
Better Housing for Tompkins Co. 273-2187 Rosie or Angela USDA Rural Development 257-2737 x4 Donna Collins Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services 277-4500 Pamela Webster SONYMA 1-800-382-HOME
2. Identify Your Housing Needs...
- Consider size needed now, next year, and five years from now
- Consider the resale value of a home: location, condition, amenities
- 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
» RE-SALE or MORE EXPERIENCED BUYERS:
1. Prepare Yourself Financially:
- Selling your current home first? (ask CJ about a free comparative 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 - CJ can help with planning in this area
» Do Your Buyer "Due Diligence"
- Visit the neighborhoods at different times in the day to check traffic, noise, etc.
- Read the local newspapers - Tompkins Weekly is one of the best in print and online
- Visit local websites (some helpful links below) or sign up for CJ's Twitter updates
- Research Ithaca on EPodunk.com
- Demographic Information fron US Census Bureau
- GIS Maps of Tompkins County and City of Ithaca
- NYS Licensed Home Inspectors for the Ithaca Area
- American Society of Home Inspectors Website
- Learn about Home Insulation
- Learn More About Radon on the EPA Website
- Learn More About Environmental Ratings from Scorecard.org
- Great website about all things home-inspection related: InspectAPedia.com
- Toxics Targeting
- Megans Law for Parents - search for registered sex offenders in NYS
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.
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 less hassle you will have in buying your new 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
