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3 Easy Mistakes to Avoid When You Buy a House

by Mehner Weiser Real Estate, LLC.

3 Easy Mistakes to Avoid When You Buy a House, Anchorage, Alaska

Whether you buy a house for the first time or want to upgrade your space, the process of qualifying for a mortgage, finding the right home, and closing with the seller can be complicated. Mehner Weiser Real Estate in Anchorage, AK, wants to help you avoid feeling stressed and confused. To make home buying smoother, here they share critical mistakes many potential homeowners make. 

Top 3 Missteps When You Buy a House 

1. Forgetting the Mortgage 

While shopping for a house is the most exciting part of the experience, you should qualify for a mortgage first. You may become disappointed if you discover the ideal home, only to find out you are in the wrong price range or can’t make a serious offer. Once you know how much you can borrow, you can bid on a beautiful home that fits your budget. 

2. Skipping the Inspection 

Anchorage-Buy-a-HouseSince home inspections take time and carry a fee, some buyers bypass them. Foregoing a professional review of a property you like is a costly mistake. Expensive, hidden damage could reveal itself after you close on the house. Avoid surprises about major repairs by getting an inspection first. 

3. Overlooking a Real Estate Agent 

Some home buyers choose not to hire their own real estate agent. Instead, they work with the seller’s Realtor®. These agents want to secure the best price and terms for the seller. If you don’t have an advocate, you could be outbid or pay too much. 

5 Tips to Budget Your Remodel Project

by Mehner Weiser Real Estate, LLC.

5  Tips for Budgeting a Remodel

Determine Where the Money Will Come from

Will you use savings? Or will you take out a home equity loan? Once you determine your source of funding, determine how much you want to spend on the project – and stick to that limit.

Set Your Priorities

Before you pull out a calculator, clarify your reasons for renovating. Divide those reasons into "wants" and "needs." For example, reconfiguring your bathroom so that your current questionable electrical and plumbing will pass an inspection is a "need." His-and-her water closets, a whirlpool tub, and built-in towel heaters are "wants." Setting priorities will help you make decisions as you move through the renovation process.

Step Away From The Computer

Visit showrooms, model homes, and design stores in addition to checking out pictures online. Before investing in materials and appliances, be sure to see and feel them, or samples of them, in person.

DIY Or Contractor?

The biggest question to answer when creating your budget is deciding whether to do the work yourself or to hire a contractor. Doing the work yourself is usually less expensive – unless, of course, something (costly) goes wrong. Using a contractor, however, can mean your project is completed to professional standards and usually in a shorter time frame. Be sure to calculate the value of your time (and your back and knees) and the inconvenience of having a bathroom or kitchen out of use during the project when deciding whether to opt for DIY or a pro.

Expect The Unexpected

Whether you plan to do the work yourself or hire a contractor, add on an extra 15 to 20 percent of your total budget for unforeseen expenses. Added costs inevitably arise, especially if you're dealing with an older home.

If you have questions or are looking for a good contractor, I’m connected with some of the best professionals in the business.

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Photo of Mehner Weiser Real Estate Group Real Estate
Mehner Weiser Real Estate Group
RE/MAX Dynamic Properties
3350 Midtown Place
Anchorage AK 99503
Bethany (907) 223-1632
Bonnie (907) 223-0005