The Internet and real estate professionals are the top two resources most buyers turn to when searching for a home.1 When it’s not convenient for you to speak directly with a real estate professional, century21.com can help improve your overall home buying experience and provide the guidance to reduce stress, save time, and make you a savvy, successful consumer.
A CENTURY 21® Agent is ready to make a full-time commitment to help you capitalize on current market opportunities and assist you in making an informed decision.
To ensure you make the right choice for the long term, a CENTURY 21 Agent offers extensive knowledge in:
Would you like to receive more information on the home buying process? Contact a CENTURY 21 Agent or sign up for MyC21 (My CENTURY21).
Finding the right real estate agent can make you a savvy consumer and improve your overall experience.
Looking for a house to buy? This section will help you create a prioritized list of features to narrow your search.
What's the Right Home For You?
Before deciding which house to buy, consider your lifestyle, current and anticipated housing needs and budget. It’s a good idea to create a prioritized list of features you want in your new home; you'll quickly discover finding the right house involves striking a balance between your "must-haves" and your "nice-to-haves."
If you love to cook, you'll appreciate a well-equipped kitchen. If you're into gardening, you'll want a yard. If a home office is a must, you’ll need a room that will provide you adequate work space. If you have several cars, you may require a larger garage. Use this list as your search guide.
Next, think about what you might need in the future, and how long you are likely to live in this particular home. If you're newly married, you might not be concerned with a school district right now, but you could be in a few years. If you have aging parents, you may want to look at homes that offer living arrangements that could accommodate them as well.
It’s important to think about your new home’s location just as carefully as its features. In addition to considering the distance to work, evaluate what matters to you in terms of services, convenience and accessibility, such as shopping, police and fire protection, medical facilities, school and daycare, traffic and parking, trash and garbage collection, even recreational facilities.
Be sure to talk to your real estate professional about where you want to live and what’s most important to you. While buyers frequently use the Internet to gain access to listings or available properties for sale, an agent brings value to the entire home buying process. He or she is available to analyze data, answer questions, share their professional expertise, and handle all the paperwork and legwork that is involved in any real estate transaction. CENTURY 21® professionals can help their clients narrow their choices by sharing market trends and local information.
TIP: It’s also important to consider the type of home that suits you best. Is it a condominium or a co-op? A townhouse or detached single-family home? Do you want brick, stone, stucco, wood, vinyl siding, or s
Buying Your Home
Buying a property is a big step involving a substantial long-term financial commitment, so it requires a thorough assessment of what you can afford.
Making an offer to purchase a home has its own set of factors. Rely on a CENTURY 21® Agent’s experience and knowledge to make a successful home buying offer.omething else? Do you prefer a new home or an older one?
Beyond Closing
What happens after you close on your house? century21.com continues to provide guidance after the sale is completed.
Home inspection is an important step in the buying process. Ask about about helpful information that can help to avoid potential problems after the purchase is complete.
Homeowners’ insurance protects your interests in the event of natural disasters and catastrophic events.
In the home buying process, ownership of the home is officially transferred to you at the closing meeting. Know what to expect when you close on your new home.
Moving In
Our home moving checklist can help you make your move much easier.
Home Moving Checklist
6 to 8 weeks prior:
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Purchase or rent moving supplies: tape, markers, scissors, pocketknife, newspaper, blankets, moving pads, plastic storage bins, rope and a hand truck. Free boxes can usually be obtained at a local supermarket, but consider purchasing wardrobe boxes for clothes.
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Have a garage sale to clear out unwanted items and plan accordingly. Consider donating unwanted items.
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Keep a detailed record of all moving expenses. Your costs (and donations) may be tax deductible depending on the reasons for your move.
2 weeks prior:
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Hire a reputable mover or rent a moving truck. Be sure to get referrals or references, check with the Better Business Bureau, get estimates and purchase moving insurance.
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Two weeks before moving day, contact your telephone, electric, gas, cable/satellite, refuse and water companies to set a specific date when service will be discontinued. Contact utilities companies in your new town about service start dates, including Internet and telephone services.
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Notify healthcare professionals (doctors, dentists, veterinarians) of your move and ask for referrals and record transfers.
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Register children for school and ask for school records to be transferred.
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Notify lawn service, cleaning and security companies when service should be terminated.
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Advise the post office, publications and correspondents of change of address and date of move.
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Check your homeowners’ insurance and make arrangements for new coverage.
Moving day:
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Have tools handy for breaking down beds and appliances.
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Give every room a final once over. Don't forget to check the basement, yards, attic, garage and closets.
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Have the final payment for the movers and money for a tip.
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Don't forget to check in with your local CENTURY 21® Agent – he or she may be able to provide useful local advice and/or referrals.
TIP: Move valuables (jewelry, legal documents, family photos and collections) yourself – don't send them with the moving company. Make sure you have a complete home inventory of all your possessions.
