03/04/2022
🚨🚨***PSA*** Top 10 things to know!
(For the Military Buyers and beyond)
Just a little friendly reminder when PCSing this season, especially if you have a Realtor helping you. (And I'm just saying this because some people honestly don't understand it) and to keep everyone having realistic expectations!
1- If you are going to buy, get pre-approved as soon as you are ready to start looking! In this market homes are going FAST, be ready with everything you will need when submitting an offer. Your pre-approval and earnest monet being the biggest two.
2- Rentals, trying to secure a rental more than 2 months out will be hard to find unless you are able to find someone leaving at the same time and you can just take over
3- Realtors are not paid by the hour, they are only paid when they close a deal or help you sign a lease.
4- Finding For Sale By Owners doesn't mean it will save you money!
5- As Military families we often have to buy/rent sight unseen, if you can have someone on the other side to go take video, check out neighborhoods, etc. The better.
6- If you are selling, doing FSBO doesn't always save you money. Especially in this market where you can get multiple offers!
7- Can't decide on renting vs buying make a pros and cons list, ask yourself questions like how long will you be there? Are you trying to advance soon? What is the rental market like? And if buying remember it isn't your forever home, so treat it like an investment!
8- Make sure you feel comfortable with your Realtor! They are there to work for you. If you don't, talk with then, if you still don't it's OK to find someone else (as long as you aren't under contract)
9- Know what you need to prepare for cost wise when buying (earnest money, inspection, closing costs) compare that to paying first/last and deposit of renting
10- Navy Fed, USAA, and Veterans United are not necessarily the best lender for VA loans! Talk with your Realtor and see who they recommend. (They don't get any kick back or anything, they just know who is good, who has good rates, and who closes on time) with that said Realtors that these company recommend don't necessarily know the VA process the best they just pay these companies to get leads!
Happy PCSing, try to make the best of it, even the worst place might turn into a blessing in disguise!
If you have any questions or want to chat more please feel free to PM me, or ask them here. There are some great resources here from Realtors to Lenders, Insurance agents! We are all here to help and make your move as smooth as possible ⚓️🏡