Buy the home that meets your needs and paycheck

Frequently I work with first time home buyers usually couples in their 20's without kids in Naperville, Illinois they are looking for the perfect first home. They have a budget in mind and I encourage them not over spend and be comfortable with their mortgage so they can have extra money for updating their home, furnishings and much needed vacations. Ideally, in a bind, they could pay their mortgage on one salary. Sometimes they are told differently by others. Let me give you an example:


This is a great buying time, a major investment, so why not go all out right? Buy big, then you will grow into your home .

Should you buy big now?

Why not make the most of that investment right? While sometimes this may make perfect sense work, it may not necessarily be right. Circumstances and tastes change, as I found out through the years working with many home buyers. You may need to relocate, as many do, to a new city or current office moves a hour north and the commute causes you to move closer. So many different circumstances may arise. If you buy that big 4 bedroom house now, you will be paying more taxes, more in electricity and heat and upkeep in general. You will be paying on a home that you assume will meet your future needs. Think it all through before you make your move.

Buyers should look at their needs now and what will meet their needs for the next 5-7 years. Buy the home that is affordable to you. One that will grow with you, yet not overwhelm you with a high mortgage and tax bill.



Tamara Schuster, Broker

3rd Generation Realtor

Prudential Elite Naperville

What to look for in a Realtor

. Are you FULL TIME? Important because of the fast pace ever changing market you cannot chance that the most expensive purchase you will make in the hands of a part time agent.

2. Internet Savvy professional? 90% of business starts on the internet for buyers and sellers. Your agent must be active and innovative on the internet.

3. Will you be with me from start to finish? This is important and includes anything from overseeing fixing up your home to sell, staging of furniture, home inspection, weekly market updates, ideas to increase market exposure and being present at closing.

4. If you take a vacation who will assist me if needed? Yes, your Real Estate broker is human and available almost 24/7 for you. However a well deserved vacation is needed once in awhile. Make sure you know ahead of time if this were to occur ,during that time when a fantastic home on Webster St in downtown Naperville, walking distance to the train, priced under 300k appears on the MLS, when your agent is sailing in the South of France , that you are set with the same TOP NOTCH service agent to fill in for your agent. Yes most Brokers plan vacations during slower seasons such as early January, however if that is the time your GEM appears you are fully covered. Great agents are PREPARED!

5. What negotiating skills do you have? Yes, what is your background? Do we need Donald Trump? No but we do need a sharp agent who is up to date and knows not to let you over pay as a buyer and when to accept a offer on your home.

6. Do you have a college degree or equivalent work experience ? Yes most Brokers take their education seriously including many extra classes that go up and above to increase their knowledge and education. ASK! However ,very few states require a college degree or business background experience when applying for a Real Estate license. We have to remember just obtaining a Real Estate license is the minimum requirement by the State not by YOU. Since commission structures demand TOP NOTCH. Don’t be confused with Top Producer as some may be BOTH but others may prefer to service fewer at a time but high contact and visibility. Both may work.

7. What can I expect from you after the home is closed? The answer is I am here for you. Your the agents greatest source of referrals and future income. Your Realtor has contacts from painters, to landscapers, to window installers and many others who are their own list of reliable and reasonable workers who will make your new title as a home owner easier because they have researched this for you. You may need a preschool or doctor recommendation. The list is endless. You should be a text, email or phone call away from communication even after the keys are handed over. Sometimes they are your first friend in Town. KEEP THIS IS MIND WHEN CHOOSING YOUR BROKER/AGENT.

8. LIKE YOUR AGENT ! This may catch me some flack but I said LIKE. Feel comfortable. You may spend hours with this person. Please you have to feel comfortable. Share, talk and laugh. This can be stressful. A great agent will help you overcome this. And please if you have kids pick an agent who does too. When you are looking at homes you need to consider the big picture.

9. Humor! Yes, talented educated Realtors have seen everything in then some. Humor makes this experience which can be breath taking at times and full of non stop anticipation of where you will live, a lot easier in the more stressful times. This should be a positive experience for all involved.

10. TRUST! This is so important. This person is here to help and assist you, educate you and be their for you. This is not a Sales position. They are here as your Real Estate Expert. Yes they are not paid until closing but you are finding the home of your needs and hopefully dreams using a highly educated agent who can be there for and will be there for after the paycheck. In reality is not about the paycheck for the agent who has the PASSION for finding someone their dream home. That satisfaction is more important than the bottom line. When you find a agent who is just excited about selling a 50k home as a 500k home you know you have one with a heart you can trust.

11. What is the last book you read? Let you be the judge.

I will add more later. Please feel free to add on. As in life I am POSITIVE so please keep the tips coming!

Signed,

Your 3rd Generation Broker