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Showing posts with label las vegas home buyer tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label las vegas home buyer tips. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Las Vegas Home Buyer Resources - Financing Your Home

If you are planning on purchasing a home it is important to figure out the financing ahead of time.  Most real estate agents (myself included) will not start showing homes to a buyer until the financing is in place. 

Finding the right person to assist you with this process is the first step.  Call me if you need a lender referral. 

Here is a financing guide (opens a .pdf file)  put out by Trulia which gives you some financing basics.  It is a good place to start if you are just beginning to think about financing a home.

Looking for a Las Vegas home?  Call Cindy at 702-807-3339.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Las Vegas Homes Inventory is Low

Yes, as of right now (5/14/2012 at 2:52 P.M.) only 4747 properties available for sale in the MLS (excludes hi rise and multi dwelling properties).

What does that mean for a Las Vegas home buyer?

Image: stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Well, now is not the time to lose your cool. Your energy and time should not be wasted on getting upset or frustrated.  If you have decided you want a home in Vegas then get serious and get moving.

Find a property and make your best possible offer.  Repeat those two steps until you have a property under contract. Find a property and make your best possible offer.  Find a property and make your best possible offer.  Find a property and make your best possible offer. Got it?  Seems pretty easy, right?  Well, some buyers find the property then think and think and think some more.  Then when they are ready to make an offer - oops its gone.  Find a property and make your best possible offer. 

There will be multiple offers.  Don't worry. Keep going and don't stop until you have a contract.

There will be properties you can't see (yes, appt. only or no showings until some auspicious event occurs).  Make an offer subject to inspection.

Don't be afraid to make offers based upon the pictures in the MLS.  You can always withdraw your offer (prior to acceptance) if the property doesn't meet your needs.

Dismissed short sales before?  Lately, short sales haven't been taking that long.  Add short sales to your criteria.  However, even short sales are selling quickly and generating multiple offers.

Make the offer as attractive as you can.  Depending upon your finances there might be things you can do.  Reduce or remove seller contributions towards your closing costs.  Waive the home warranty requirement (you can purchase one after you close).  Cash buyers can close super fast. 

Tweak your criteria.  If your criteria is super narrow consider opening it up a bit.  Lower bedrooms needed or open the area up a little bit. Consider an older home.  Ask your agent if they have any ideas on how to increase the inventory that you can view. 

Stick with one person.  Running all over town talking to five million agents?  Why would any agent spend anytime looking for homes for you?  Serious buyers find an agent and stick with that person. 

I know it is a frustrating time right now.  These are just a few tips on how to increase your chances on getting an offer accepted and your Vegas home into escrow.

Any questions?  Call me at 702-807-3339 (Cindy).

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Las Vegas Flood Zones

Worried about Las Vegas flood zones?  According to a recent story in the Las Vegas Review Journal two new areas have been determined to be in the 100 year flood zone (and will be required to purchase flood insurance):
  • Gowan and Rancho
  • near Las Vegas Wash (Desert Rose Golf Course)
If you want to determine whether you are in a Las Vegas flood zone click here.  

Looking for Las Vegas homes for sale?  Visit my Las Vegas MLS search or use my Las Vegas Home Finder service.  

Related Posts:
Las Vegas Home Search Tools
Las Vegas Home Buyer Tools
Top Nine Home Buyer Posts

Monday, April 25, 2011

Las Vegas Homes: Buyer's Let's Figure It Out!

Often Las Vegas homes shoppers will come into town and only have a few days to look at homes.  The most productive thing that we can do before someone gets into town is to narrow down their criteria ahead of time (which is why I recently started sending out a pre-showing questionnaire before showing homes).

Why narrow it down?

So we don't waste time looking at homes that won't work for you.  I wasted precious time last week with buyers because they did not fill out my pre-showing questionnaire or answer my questions on the phone when I tried to pin them down on criteria.

Search the Las Vegas MLS 24/7 or use our Las Vegas Home Finder service.

Yes, often you won't know everything.  But, you always know price range; type of home (single family residential/townhome/condo); and purpose of home (investment, second home, primary residence).

Here are my top six posts for determining what you would like in your next Las Vegas Home:

Thanks everyone!

Related Posts:

Ways Buyers Sabotage Themselves
Las Vegas Home Buyer: Avoid Mistakes in the Buying Process
Surprises Don't Work in Real Estate

Monday, April 18, 2011

Where is my Driveway?

Buyers not accustomed to the way some newer Las Vegas home communities are built are often surprised when we drive up to a home and there is no driveway or the driveway is shared.  Not a good thing if you are planning on using your garage space as storage.

P1130030
Cluster Home Community
How can you avoid this surprise? Generally homes with these types of driveways will have lot sizes of 3000 sq. ft. or smaller.  Often you can look at the picture in the MLS to see if a driveway exists.  Another good way to check on a home is to look at the birds eye view on Bing Maps or look at street view on Google Maps.

Another thing to consider about these types of homes is where the guest parking is located and parking rules in general.  Some communities will have designated guest parking spaces that are scattered through out the community.  Others will allow for limited parking on the street.  You are usually never allowed to park in such a way that you will block a garage door (even yours), fire hydrants, or mailboxes.  Check with your homeowners association for all parking rules.

Looking to buy a Las Vegas home?  You can search the MLS 24/7 or us our Las Vegas Home Finder Service.

Thanks!

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Thursday, March 03, 2011

Have Control Issues? Buy a Home.

Image: Nutdanai Apikhomboonwaroot / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
It never fails, the perfectly planned closing date fails, a document isn't ordered, or any number of things can happen that throw a perfectly planned real estate transaction into chaos.

I use to be a person with big control issues. I wanted to control ever aspect of a transaction.  However, over a decade in real estate has cured me of this tendency.

Real estate is a constantly changing situation.  There are so many different people and entities involved that it will happen sometimes that something falls through the cracks or doesn't work out as planned.

I always caution my home buyers of what can go wrong so they won't be surprised.  I always do what I can to remedy the situation.  However, sometimes there is nothing that can be done but be patient and let the chaos ride itself out.

Read my Las Vegas real estate agent reviews.

Similar Posts that might interest you:

Buyer Tools

My Top Nine Home Buyer Posts
 

Homes for sale in Las Vegas, NV

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Las Vegas Home Buyer Tips: Energy Consumption Evaluation Form

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A new real estate form was implemented this year.  It is called the Seller's Energy Consumption Evaluation Form (pdf file).  It went into effect January 1, 2011 and is mandatory in most real estate transactions (there are exclusions and it can be waived).

This four page form requires the seller to disclose total yearly consumption and cost of different utilities; monthly consumption and cost of different utilities;  information on unit improvements related to energy efficiency; age and energy star ratings of appliances, windows, doors; and type of lighting used in home.

Definitely a useful form for buyer's to have when evaluating a home in a normal market.  However, in our market, it is generally not filled out by the seller and the buyers are being asked to waive it.

Why?

Because most of our inventory is bank owned.  Even when there is a seller involved (short sales) the seller doesn't have this information available.   With a home that has been vacant for a while, the information that is provided is generally useless.

Honestly, Buyers don't need any more forms to confuse them further in a real estate transaction.  

Looking for a Las Vegas Home?  Visit my Las Vegas Homes web site where you can search the Las Vegas MLS 24/7; get a list of homes via email with my Las Vegas Home Finder; and get information on Las Vegas communities.


Related Posts:
Where is my remote?
Multiple Offers: What is a Buyer to Do?
Las Vegas Real Estate: Neighborhood Crime

Thursday, February 03, 2011

Las Vegas Home Buyers: Gated or Guard Gated?

There are different ways to narrow down your search.  One way is to think about if it matters to you whether a community is gated or guard gated. Here are the key differences between the two types.

Gated Communities
Gated communities are just that - gated.  Often there is a code to get within the gates and residents may have a remote that allows access without a code. It is easy to enter this type of community by following someone through the gate. Typically, these types of Las Vegas communities do NOT have any additional security.  Also, the homeowners association fees tend to be slightly higher than non-gated communities because of the additional maintenance associated with the gate.

Get a list of Las Vegas Homes for Sale via email using our Las Vegas Home Finder.

Guard Gated Communities
Las Vegas guard gated communities will allow non-residents access only if the resident is available to grant you permission to enter or if you are on an approved list.  Otherwise, you are not getting in.  Most guard gated communities also tend to have 24 hour manned gates and additional security patrols within the community. The homeowners association fees for these types of communities tend to be much higher than gated or non-gated communities.

Make the Choice
Generally, vacation or second home owners tend to favor gated or guard gated communities. It tends to give them an added sense of security with respect to their home when they are not in residence.  If security is a big issue in your home search then you may opt to only look at homes within these types of communities.  Depending upon your price range this may limit your choices, however it is important that you consider your needs and wants when looking for your Las Vegas home.  Don't compromise on something that is a "must" on your list.


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Friday, January 28, 2011

Where Is My Remote?

Image: Rasmus Thomsen / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
A thing to remember when purchasing a Las Vegas bank owned home is that certain items that are normally passed along to the buyer are no longer available.  These items include: mailbox keys, garage remotes, house keys, gate keys/remotes, community amenity access cards, and appliance manuals.  Sometimes these items will be in the house in a drawer or closet.  Most of the times they are long gone.

When you move in you will be responsible for purchasing these items either from the local hardware store, post office, or your homeowners association.

Ahh, the joys of home ownership. 

Use our Las Vegas Home Finder to find your Las Vegas dream home. 

Related Posts:
Multiple Offers: What is a Buyer to do?
Things to Consider When Buying a Las Vegas Condo
What is this Form? Things you will get in the mail after closing

Monday, January 24, 2011

Las Vegas Home Buyers: Be Responsible

Image: Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Buying a home is exciting. Often buyers will take much time reviewing listings and viewing homes.  That is the fun part.

However, once the offer documents come out buyers often sit back and get that "I'm just along for the ride" look.

Not a good idea.  

Buyers need to take responsibility for their home purchase.

This means:
  • reading all offer, counter offer, and addendum documents (or get a real estate attorney to review);
  • attending the home inspection (if possible) and asking the inspector questions;
  • reviewing the inspection report and asking for estimates or additional inspections if wanted;
  • reviewing all lender documentation and keeping in contact with lender;
  • reviewing all documents in general that are involved in the transaction;
  • attending the final walk through.
Buyers need to be active participants in the home purchase. The transaction rests in the buyer's hands, not the real estate agent, lender, or title officer.  Buyers need to speak up and ask questions.

Looking for a Las Vegas home?   
Visit our Las Vegas Homes web site to view MLS listings, get listing information via email with our Las Vegas Home Finder, and view pictures of beautiful Las Vegas 55 plus, Las Vegas guard gated, and Las Vegas Condo communities.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Multiple Offers: What is a Buyer to Do?

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I talk to someone every day who tells me, "I don't want to get involved in multiple offers."  However, in today's market it is difficult to avoid this situation.  Honestly, two offers on one property constitutes a multiple offer situation.

I tell my buyers not to stress out over  multiple offers. The existence of multiple offers should NOT affect your offer.  You will look at what similar homes have sold for in the area.  That will give you a basic range of sales prices. You will then decide upon an offer price that takes into account the condition of the home and also your feelings about the home.

It is always best to make your best offer up front because you may not get another chance.  Sometimes sellers will send out a call for everyone to submit their highest and best offer.  Sometimes this does not happen.

Don't let multiple offers stress you out.  Make your best offer and go from there.  If you lose out, there is always going to be another home that comes on the market that meets your needs.

Looking for a Las Vegas Home? Use our Las Vegas Home Finder to receive information via email.  Fast and Easy!

Related Posts:
Ways Buyers Sabotage Their Home Search
Las Vegas Home Buyers: Avoid Errors in Your Search
Surprises Don't Work in Real Estate

Friday, January 14, 2011

Things to Consider when Buying a Las Vegas Condo

Want to buy a Las Vegas condo?  Let's talk.

Do you want to be on the top floor or on the bottom? 
Top floor means stairs which can be annoying when you are hauling a load of groceries (unless you are in a building with an elevator).  Bottom unit can mean you get to hear your upstairs neighbors aerobics routine at 6 a.m. in the morning.


Garages Available 
What is the parking situation?
If you need extra storage then a garage is a nice bonus.  Also, an attached garage can give you added safety when exiting your auto to your place.  If a garage is not available then covered parking is essential in our summer months. If you plan on having guests it is nice to get a feel for the open space parking available in the complex.

Gated or not?
Condos in vegas can be guard gated, gated, or non-gated.  Guard gated will carry the most monthly fees and the most security.  Gated will offer a layer of security.  However, remember it is easy to follow someone into a complex.

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What amenities do you want in a complex?
Pool, spa, tennis, raquetball, fitness center, children's play area - these are a few amenities offered in some of our condo complexes.

Is this cash or will you finance?
Some complexes cannot be financed and are cash only deals.  Check the subdivisions with your lender to make sure that financing is available.

Investment or owner occupied?
Most complexes in town allow rentals.  However, they put a cap on how many units can be rented out in a complex.  The homeowners association should be able to give you this information.  Ask your real estate agent to give you the number so you can find out.

Just a few things to consider in addition to price and location.
Looking for Las Vegas Condos?  Visit our site for information and pictures.

Related Posts:
Las Vegas Guard Gated Condos
Henderson Condos: Bella Vista
Las Vegas Condos: Sunset Cliffs

Monday, January 10, 2011

Surprises Don't Work In Real Estate

Communication is very important in order to get a real estate transaction from the looking at homes stage to closing.  Often, clients are reluctant to share information that they perceive to be "bad" and this can cause tremendous problems in a deal.  Sometimes clients simply neglect to share something because they don't think it is relevant.

As far as I am concerned there is no "bad or irrelevant" news as long as I find out about it right away.  That gives me time to try to find a solution to the issue.

So, if any of the following occur or will occur during our time together please let me know as soon as possible.

Vacation Plans
If you are going to be out of town please make sure that I know and give me your contact numbers where you can be reached while you are away. It never fails, you leave town and I need something signed by you right away.  Not a good time to find out that you are on a cruise and access is limited. 

Search the Las Vegas MLS 24/7

Change in Job Circumstances
You are laid off or your hours are cut back.  Even though you have an approval on your loan don't think that this new situation will not affect you.  Often the underwriter will review your file prior to closing and even make calls to your work place to confirm all information.   

Las Vegas 55 Plus Homes

Illness or Surgery
Accidents or emergencies can happen.  Often these can be stressful and demand your full attention.  Let me know if something is happening in your life that could affect your real estate deal.  We may have to postpone our search or even get you out of the contract until your life calms down.  The more I know about your personal situation the more I am able to help smooth things along with your real estate deal.

Get a list of Las Vegas homes information via email

"Cash" Deals
When you say you are paying cash for a home that means you have the cash in hand.  If the cash is in your retirement account or you need to pull the equity from your home (yes, some people still have equity) that is not cash.  Your account executive or home re-finance person may tell you it will take only days to get the money.  However, the reality is that sometimes days turns into weeks.  Which can leave you in a precarious position when you have to close and funds are not available. 

Too much information doesn't bother me.  I can weed through that and focus on what is important.  Too little information can cause unnecessary stress in your deal and sometimes can put your earnest money deposit in jeopardy.  Don't make the mistake of not telling me something that I need to know.

Thanks everyone!  Hope you have a fantastic week.

Related Posts:
Ways Buyers Sabotage Themselves
Las Vegas Home Buyer Tools
I Want a Home With ...

Friday, January 07, 2011

What is this Form? Things You Will Get In The Mail After Closing.

Image: bulldogza / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
You've closed!  Congratulations.  Let the mail begin.

Title Closing Package:
Check the documents you signed at closing to see if you opted to receive this via mail or if you are supposed to pick up the package from the title company office. If it is being mailed, this package should be received within a week of closing.  It will have your final HUD statement and any check for amounts due to you (if any). 

Home Warranty:
Within two weeks of closing you should receive your home warranty booklet.  It will explain what is covered and what is not under your home warranty.  Check with your real estate agent to find out if you have basic covereage or any extras.  You can also pay for any additional coverage on the home that you wish to add.

Homestead Exemption Form:
The number one item I get calls on from clients is the homestead exemption forms sent out by various companies.  These companies, for a fee, will process this for you.  You can easily do this yourself and save some money.  Visit this link to get to the form and instructions on where to send it.

Utility Bills:
Seems pretty basic.  But often people do not get their utility bills and end up having the lights turned off on their home due to non-payment.  If you don't receive a bill within 30 days then contact the utility company and check to see what address they have on file for you.  This has been an issue with my Canadian clients who purchase vacation properties in town. It is best to opt for online statements so you don't miss anything.

Those are the biggies.  You will also be getting tons of solicitations for window coverings and other such home items.  Those will taper off after a month.

Interested in Vegas Real Estate?  Visit our Las Vegas Homes site to search Las Vegas MLS listings, view Las Vegas 55 Plus communities, Las Vegas Condos, and Las Vegas Guard Gated Areas.

Thanks for stopping by!

Related Posts:
Congratulations, You are a Homeowner, Now What?
Buyer Tools
Ways Buyers Sabotage Themselves

Friday, October 08, 2010

Las Vegas Home Search Tools

Walking Path in Green Valley Ranch

Searching for a Las Vegas home can be tough work.  After a little while all of the listings that are being sent to you via email start to look the same.  How are you going to distinguish one from the other? Especially when you don't know the neighborhoods?

Some online mapping tools might help.  Here are a few of my favorites.

But first, are you receiving listings via email?  Click here and get a list of homes for sale in our area.  Super convenient and you get the listings as they are uploaded into our local MLS.

Las Vegas Zip Code Map - very useful for getting a good view of the overall valley.  Click here to get one.

Google Maps - plug in the address and get a map and aerial view.  Also street views is available for certain areas.  This is a great tool for getting a feel for a community.

Bing Maps - this has a map and aerial view (like google maps).  It also has a super useful birds eye view.  Great for figuring out if a lot is elevated or not.

These three great resources will help get you familiar with the neighborhoods including finding the nearby parks, grocery stores, and other necessary conveniences.


Related Posts:
More Las Vegas Home Buyer Tools - crime stats and school information

Top Nine Home Buyer Posts - all about your Las Vegas home search.

Ways Buyers Sabotage Themselves - don't make a mistake in your home search
.

Thursday, September 09, 2010

Ways Buyers Sabotage Themselves

I have written about how sellers can mess up their home sale. What about buyers? How can buyers mess up their home purchase?

Yes, as a buyer, you definitely can sabotage your home purchase.  Read on.

Lender Issues
Have you spoken to a lender? Often the answer to this question is, "I'll have no problems getting a loan." That is not the issue. In today's lending environment even highly qualified individuals are having problems getting a loan that works for them. Buyers need to talk to a lender to see what will be required of them to get a loan. In addition, most of today's sellers (banks) will not look at your offer until they have a pre-approval letter. Often, they want desk top underwriter approval. That takes more time. It isn't about your credit worthiness, its about saving time and headaches. Talk to a lender.

Paperwork
Don't delay in getting paperwork signed and back to your agent.  If you want to make an offer then get it in writing.  Your agent cannot make an offer without the purchase agreement signed by all parties.  A call to the listing agent saying, "my client is going to make an offer,"  is not enough.  Often a listing agent will get many of these calls and these "offers" never come through.  So, get the offer signed and to your agent.  If not, your offer may not be presented in time to the seller.

Confusion
The majority of the available homes for sale can easily be found on the web.  Don't waste time looking at homes that will not work for you.  Do some research on the web and get a feel for home prices and types of homes.

I know that you have to go out and look at homes.  However, often you can look at the pictures in a listing and know if a home will work or not.  We offer an emailed listing service to our clients that sends an email immediately when a listing (which matches your general criteria) is uploaded to the Las Vegas MLS.  This has been an invaluable resource to our clients. 

Also, use resources such as Google maps or Bing to get an idea of the neighborhood and lot layout.  When you are looking at homes you should be looking at homes that you would consider.  If not, you will end up confused and frustrated with your home search.

Silence
You have to keep the lines of communication open with your real estate agent and lender.  We cannot read your mind.  If you don't like something then say so.  If you don't like a home then tell your agent why you don't like a home.  The beds are too small, the back yard is not private, the home is not open enough.  All of these items are relevant and will help you agent find homes that will work for you.

Is there something wrong?  Did something change in your circumstances your lender and agent need to know?  Tell them.  They may be able to assist you.

Inconsistent Behavior
This one goes with silence, but deserves its own section.  You tell your agent you only want to look at homes with golf course views. Then you start looking at homes that don't have any view at all.  Huh?  I'll ask, has your criteria changed?  Often the answer is, hum, well, maybe, hum, we just wanted to see this home. 

That tells me, not serious.  So, I put you on the back burner and focus on my clients who are pretty clear about what they want.  Sure, I'll keep sending you listings. But, I'm not keeping my eyes open for the winner home for you.  There is only so much time in a day and I need to take care of my clients who do know what they want.  Sorry, your inconsistent behavior (coupled with your silence) could cost you the perfect home.

That is it.  A few ways in which a buyer can sabotage their home search.

Looking for a Vegas home?  Contact me.  Let's get your home search started!

Related Posts:
I Want a Home With ...

Top Nine Las Vegas Home Buyer Tips Posts

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Monday, August 16, 2010

Las Vegas Homes: I Want A Home With ...

Buyers start with the basics:  Price range, bedrooms, and square footage.  But, there is so much more to finding the right home and often the "extras" are not noticed or even thought about until we start looking at homes.

That is okay, but I think it is good to try to visualize what it is your want prior to looking at homes.  That way your real estate agent can start to narrow down homes that will work for your right away.

Maybe, you want an open kitchen with a nice big island for quick and easy breakfasts in the morning?



How do you feel about dramatic high ceilings?  Love them or hate the thought of air conditioning them?


Maybe a view is very important to you?

Golf course view at Sun City Aliante

When you are looking at pictures of Las Vegas homes on the Web [are you receiving Vegas property listings via email?] take time to really look at the features of each home.  Think about the way you live and what you like and don't like in your present home.

Taking a few minutes to organize your thoughts will make your home search go much smoother.  Remember to always tell your agent your thoughts.  Our Vegas MLS allows us to search many different criteria.  Make your thoughts and feelings know.

Looking for a Vegas home?  Contact me today.  Let's get your home search started!


Thanks,

Cindy

Related Posts:
How to Find the Best Home: What Do You Want?

How to Find the Best Home: What Else Do You Want?

Find the Perfect Las Vegas Neighborhood

My Top Nine Vegas Home Buyer Posts

Monday, August 09, 2010

My Top Nine Las Vegas Home Buyer Posts

Here are my top nine posts with wonderfully helpful and timely information for Las Vegas home buyers.

Las Vegas Short Sales  - Get the answers to all of your questions regarding the short sale process (for buyers of short sale properties).

Las Vegas Bank Owned Properties - Again, some information to help you through the bank owned property world.

Home Buyer Tools - crime reports, school zoning, maps, and other useful information.

Finding the Best Las Vegas School - research specific schools through accountability reports which detail everything from test scores to truancy rates.

How to Find the Best Home: What Do You Want? - the basics you need to figure out before going out to look at homes.  Save yourself some time and read this post.

How to Find the Best Home: What Else Do You Want? - Beyond the basics of your home search. Get into the nitty gritty of what you want in a home.

Making an Offer - what is needed to make an offer on a Las Vegas home.

What Should You Offer?- how to figure out what your offer should be.

Las Vegas Home Buyers: Accept, Reject, Counter???- the negotiation process.  

Looking for a Vegas home?  Contact me today.  Let's get your home search started!

Friday, July 30, 2010

Are You Closing Next Week? Top Five Things You Should Do NOW!

Image: renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Yes, the frenzy before your closing date.  Don't you love it?  Your lender is calling you asking for documents you are sure you provided already. Your agent is emailing you documents that need your signature.  The title company wants money from you.   Hair pulling time!

It is easy to lose sight of things when so much is going on.  Here are five things you should do now in order to keep yourself sane next week.

Transfer your Utilities
Call each utility and see if you can set up the transfer for next week.  Each utility will have different requirements.  Some will let you set up the transfer over the phone or online.  Best to find out now what is needed.

Finalize your Home Insurance
If you haven't done this then do it now.  Your lender won't let you close without this.  If you are paying cash, this is one thing you don't want to forget and let slide.

Moving Day Essentials
Seems like this should be at the top of your list.  Call and finalize the details of your move. Do you need a baby sitter or pet sitter for that day?  Do you need to take some days off work?  It might be a good idea to put together a box of essentials that stay with you that day - snacks, water, documents, toilet paper.  You know things that you don't want to have to rummage through boxes to find.

Make Sure Your Closing Funds Are Ready
Your title/escrow company should have provided you with an estimated HUD showing what you need to bring for closing.  Most will want certified funds.  Others may prefer a wire transfer.  Verify this with the company.

Change Your Address
Who needs to know your new address?  Bank, your landlord, relatives (maybe?), friends.  Take some time to make a list and start dialing each one. You can also go online to make the change.

Oh, and have you started packing yet?  If not, get busy!

Still looking for your Vegas home?  You can search the Las Vegas MLS, view community information, and get Vegas listings via email - all at one place: SoManyHomes.com

Related Posts:
Congratulations, Your a Homeowner - Now What?

Do They Want to Sell Their Homes?

Las Vegas Short Sales: FAQ's

Home Buyer Tools

Las Vegas Bank Owned Properties

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Congratulations, You are a Homeowner! Now What?

You've closed, the home is yours.  Now what?  Well, I hope you have already transferred the utilities in your name.  If not, that should be your first thing to do. In addition, here are a few other things to keep in mind.

House Keys
The only keys usually available are the ones to open the front door. Often, these are master keys which means you should change the locks.  Some banks require the buyers pay a re-keying fee.  If this was the case for you then call the contact number given to you and have the locks re-keyed.  Regardless, I recommend you change locks or have them re-keyed.  You never know who has a copy of the keys to the home.

Mailbox Keys
Usually mailbox keys are not available for a home.  What you need to do is call 1-800-275-8777 to get the contact information of the local post office that delivers your mail. 

I would call the local post office before going out and verify if that is the correct location.  Don't stand in a long line and find out you are at the wrong place.

Garage Door Openers
These are generally missing as well.  Take a trip to Lowes or Home Depot and get new ones.  The package will give you directions on how to program them.

Homeowners Association
Don't forget to contact your HOA to get gate codes, swimming pool or clubhouse keys, payment information, and other relevant HOA information.

Contact Information
If the home you just purchased is not your primary residence then make sure that the utility companies, HOA, assessors office, and LID/SID billing company have your correct mailing address.

Set up Payment System
New home means new bills.  Make sure you know when your bills are due and who you have to pay.  Set up your payment system now to avoid problems later.

Yard Sign / Lockbox
Give the listing agent at least three business days to remove the yard sign and lockbox off the property.  If it is still there after three business days contact your agent. 

Congratulations on your new home!  If you are looking for a Vegas home click here to start your MLS search or click here to view neighborhood information.

Cindy

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