Buying a Home – August 2024

Listing a home for sale or buying a new home can be stressful, now more than ever considering the housing market forecast. Expert opinion insists that the housing market will improve sooner than later, but there continues to be a delay in its uprising thanks to many economic factors, including inflation, which is slow to level.

Continue reading for information on the best businesses in Lincoln for enhancing curb appeal, remodeling, finding a real estate agent, financing, insurance and more!

Loyal Lending Services

The first thing homebuyers should do is get pre-approved with a mortgage lender to determine lending ability. Once the homebuyer understands possible lending options, the homebuyer can adjust plans, if needed. The loan officer will be able to help identify available options that achieve the homebuyer’s goals, which is where West Gate Bank® (westgate.bank) can help!

To start the pre-approval process, homebuyers should reach out to their bank and speak to a mortgage loan officer. A mortgage loan officer, such as those at West Gate Bank, can provide a link to a free homebuyer education class. This class provides valuable information for first-time homebuyers. It outlines the necessary steps to prepare for home ownership and teaches how to save for the down payment and closing costs. It also has information on building and achieving great credit scores.

A good way to plan for buying a house, without racking up too much debt, is to know and stay within a set budget. Wait to get furniture and appliances after the loan application is approved and one has closed on the mortgage. Do not accrue any new debt prior to or during the process of getting a mortgage loan.

What is a good timeline for financing a house? The answer is after one has completed the homebuyer education class and has determined he/she/they are ready to take on home ownership

Mortgage Loan Officer Amy Dang at West Gate Bank says, “Buying a house in the winter might help with bidding against fewer buyers due to lower demand.” Tips such as these are why West Gate Bank can be relied upon to not only provide homebuyers with loans options, but to also educate and inform homebuyers throughout every step of the process.

Tactful Trade School and Real Estate Education

Of the many educational sessions offered at The { } Exchange, a real estate school in East Omaha, the conversation on how to approach homeownership is one of the most important that REALTOR® members have with local consumers.

When buying a new home, buyers should consider their buying power, which includes their finances, timeline, and support system. Understanding these three aspects can make or break a deal. Additionally, buyers should consider the functionality of spaces and their needs. Many times, buyers get distracted by finishes and cosmetics but forget to think through how their daily lives will be impacted. Questions like, “Are there too many stairs? Will the family buffet fit in the dining room? Is there a main-floor laundry room?” should be asked constantly throughout the search. Fortunately, when individuals attend a homebuying course at The { } Exchange, they will be provided with a functionality quiz to ensure they think through how they see themselves in their future space.

“I would advise anyone working towards becoming a homeowner (and afterward) to fully understand their current financial situation, including monthly budgets, debts, and other financial obligations,” says President & REALTOR® member of The { } Exchange, Angel Starks. “Homeownership brings another level of financial responsibility, and we advise our Locale Community (clients of the Locale Real Estate Group) to always prepare financially, as we don’t want owners to become house-poor and live beyond their means.”

Life brings many unexpected challenges, and planning for all things real estate-related is imperative. The goal of homeownership begins way before the first showing or visit with a lender. Even if foreclosures or short sales are in the conversation, having expert support is crucial. Decisions around real estate starts with education and planning—both of which are options offered by The { } Exchange.

The greatest advice for anyone considering buying a property is to do it the right way; the right way to buy a house is with a REALTOR®. One should lean on local experts to help navigate such a high-cost purchase and consider items one may not know to ask about or how to handle. Contracts are usually six or more pages, so through sessions at The { } Exchange, consumers will be prepared to fully understand their rights and options as ready, willing and able buyers. This transparency and emphasis on education is why The { } Exchange is the best for all things real estate!

Regal Remodeling

The look, feel and functionality of a kitchen will make or break a home purchase for most people. A kitchen is typically a high traffic area, so it is imperative that homebuyers can see themselves working well within the space. This is where one can turn to Omaha Remodeling Associates (raomaha.com) for the best kitchen remodeling services!

Omaha Remodeling Associates, LLC values each and every one of its clients and diligently listens to its clients’ ideas and needs, before, during and after the project’s completion. This is the first of many reasons why Omaha Remodeling Associates maintains long-term, repeat clients and projects–especially kitchen remodels!

Why choose Omaha Remodeling Associates, LLC? Omaha Remodeling Associates…

• Provides the best possible materials within each unique budget.
• Does the job right the first time, saving clients money in the long run.
• Ensures each client’s vision is translated into reality perfectly, providing architects, draft persons, designers and other specialty subcontractors.
• Ensures each job meets the necessary building codes and regulations.
• Guarantees each project with an unconditional one-year warranty on both materials and workmanship.
• Carries insurance that protects clients against property damage and job site injuries.
• Communicates with clients during and after project completion to keep a neat job site to prevent damage to property or injury to household members, pets and the craftsmen.
• Is a veteran-owned business.

“I look forward to meeting you, working with you and bringing your kitchen remodeling or renovation project to a successful and satisfactory conclusion!” says Owner Craig Broadstone.

For questions or to discuss that long-awaited kitchen remodel with the Omaha Remodeling Associates, LLC team, call (402) 510-3326 or visit raomaha.com.