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 Jill McDowell is Licensed Real Estate Salesperson at Daniel Gale Sothebys International Realty in Smithtown and Former News 12 Reporter/Anchor Jill Conway. Jill is a member of the LI Board of Realtors and the NYS Association of Realtors. Contact Jill with real estate questions at Jillmcdowell@danielgale.com or 516.316.2000. #JUSTaskJILL |
| For the past few years, I’ve helped and counseled many buyers who are brand new to the process. I’ve met them at open houses or by referrals from past clients or friends and neighbors. All of them are nervous and find buying a home a bit overwhelming and confusing. They don’t know where to start! So that’s where I can really guide them through the entire process which typically can last months and sometimes a year (yes-gulp)! The first thing I suggest is making a list but not just one list. I ask them to make several lists: a wish list, a must-have list and a negotiable list. Here’s why. For your wish list, you can dream up a home you’ve wanted since you were a kid, with an indoor pool, five car garage with a race track around your property. Once you get that out of the way, make your must-have list. Do you need 3 bedrooms? How much property? A basement? Would you rather a finished basement? What room is the most important to you? Need a man cave? Do you want a move-in ready home or willing to fix one up? Really think hard what you would like. If you are buying with another person, make two separate lists. One is yours, one is theirs – no peeking! These answers may surprise you. We all have different ideas of what we really must have in a home. Next, the negotiable list. Will you consider a smaller size property? Do you prefer a corner lot? In other words, things that aren’t a deal breaker to you. If I asked you directly what you think of it, you would say, “That’s not a big deal, Jill.” But guess what. It could be a big deal to your partner – so get the conversations out of the way now before I’m asked to referee. Once you have that list down, go visit some open houses of all different home styles, like the ranch, farm ranch, colonial, cape, split level, contemporary, with open floor plans, with pools and ones without. You get the idea! Now, at this point in the game, get a pre-approval from your bank or lender. See what you can actually afford. It’s not a guess! Work with a lender or broker who listens to you. Talk about how much money you can put down, interest rates, property taxes, all that fun stuff. And now – don’t do it alone! Work with a reputable real estate professional who listens to what you want and not someone who just wants to show you all their listings. Find one you like that has a business style and personality you can work with. If you decide to work with them exclusively, you can form a great friendship (I know I have) that can last years! Good Luck! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 