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Now Is The Time!

Real Estate Reflects Growth,

Opportunity in Zachary Area

By Elaine Davis

Gold Star Realtors

Zachary is the fastest growing community in the surrounding area. With Zachary’s school system being No. 1 in the state and soon to be granted district-wide accreditation, now is a great time to live in Zachary. New subdivisions are starting up in all price ranges to meet the projected growth of the area.

According to the Baton Rouge Board of Realtors homes have increased in value approximately 14.1 percent during 2006. This means right now is also a great time to sell if you have been thinking of making a change. Interest rates are at an all-time low, and with 100 percent financing readily available, there should be no shortage of buyers for your home.

As one of America’s safest and friendliest cities, Zachary just keeps on getting better each day. So if you’re thinking about making a move, now is a great time to buy or sell a home in Zachary.

Home buying Tips

As exciting as buying a new home can be, it can also be an overwhelming experience. Here are some tips for first-time homebuyers that will help ease the process of purchasing a new home.

1. If you plan on living in the same place for the next three years, you should purchase instead of continuing to rent. You can earn back your closing costs within the first two years and start making money at the end of the third year. Now is a great time to start shopping for a home that is right for you.

2. Most people postpone purchasing a home because they believe they need to put up a large down payment, but zero down payment programs are becoming more common. Most banks will loan you 100 percent of the home’s value since your new house is your collateral. It’s easy to be approved for a 100 percent mortgage since the value of real estate appreciates, so you don’t have to worry if your credit isn’t perfect.

Pre-Qualifying is Important

3. It is very important to pre-qualify to buy a home. This process not only provides you with buying power but also allows you to make an offer once you’ve found the home you really want. By pre-qualifying you will know how much your house will actually cost in monthly payments. It makes the buying decision easier if you know what your monthly payments will be. You want to shop for houses within your price range.

4. Don’t shy away from contacting a real estate agent. They have valuable insight into the industry as well as access to the Multiple Listing Service, which is a database of nearly all homes for sale in a certain market. When choosing an agent, look for someone who knows a lot about the market you are interested in and who is willing to help you find the right home.

5. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of wanting a house the moment you walk into it, but it’s more important to find a home that has everything you need . Before you start your home shopping, make a list of things your home must have – price, size, location, etc. – and a list of things you want but could probably live without – floors, colors, appliances, etc. This way you don’t have to even look at a prospective home if it doesn’t have everything you need.

Pick Your Neighborhood

6. Be sure to pick your favorite neighborhoods. Most homebuyers have a good idea what area they would like to live in, but even neighborhoods in the same area can be pretty different. Ask your realtor to send you a list of homes in a specific area that you are interested in. Take a drive through these neighborhoods and pay attention to how your potential neighbors keep up their yard, amenities in the area, etc.

7. Once you make a decision stick to it. Buying a home is one of the largest investments a person can make in their lifetime, so it’s natural and normal to be apprehensive about your decision. However, the longer you wait the more likely it is that another buyer will come along and grab your home first.

If you have followed the steps listed here, your biggest worry will be what color to paint the living room. If you’ve found the home that has all the things you need and most of the things you want, it’s the right home for you!

Buying a home can be an intimidating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Simply follow these steps and you will be able to make the right decision easily on a home that has everything you want AND need!