Art Furtney has over 30 years real estate experience and has sold more homes than any other real estate team in all of North Carolina. From the moment you look at that first home with Art till he hands you the keys to your new home, you will be in the best hands possible. Art has closed over 4,000 transactions over the course of his real estate career; no one knows real estate and the Onslow County area like Art Furtney.
Making a military move? 25 years in the Marine Corps taught Art that there is no such thing as a time clock. While he now wears the "Gold Coat" now instead of the "Green", he will still roll up his sleeves and work until the job is done!
Ways to Avoid “Rookie Mistakes”
Ask questions. First-time homebuyers, by definition, simply don't have home buying experience. If you don't know, ask. It may be uncomfortable, but let's face it...a broker cannot answer an unasked question.
There's no such thing as the "ideal" house. Many buyers run themselves, not to mention their brokers, ragged as they repeatedly dismiss homes that meet most...but not all...of their requirements. A buyer who turns down a house that meets most, but not all, of their criteria may miss out on the best available property as well as good financing, should market conditions change.
Solution: First-timers should definitely view many different homes as possible before making an offer. However, they should definitely not make an offer on the first home they like...but also, and more importantly, they should not hesitate to make an offer when they find a home they love.
Don't wait for that 20% down. It's an admirable goal, but it's often years in the future for many first-time buyers. Instead -- especially in markets with rising values -- buy now with as little down as possible. Consider VA, FHA and other loans with private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Don't Skip an inspection. A professional home inspection is simply a "must" whether you are buying an existing home or a new one. Speak with inspectors before you enter the marketplace to see how they work, what they cost, and what they reccommend.
Don't ignore representation. Chances are good that the seller has a broker. Who's representing you?
Solution: A buyer broker, an attorney, or both can give you needed representation at the bargaining table cost, and what they recommend.