Archive for October, 2021

Buy Your First Home With Confidence When You Understand Your Options

Saturday, October 30th, 2021

Buyer looking to buy your first home.

When you understand your options, you can buy your first home with confidence. There are many types of real estate investment opportunities to consider. It does not matter if you are just looking for a home for you and your family or looking at investing in real estate to turn a profit; you are certain to be able to find the perfect property to fit all of your needs and wants. 

Types of Real Estate Investing

Understanding the different types of properties is the first step to buy your first home.

There are several different categories of homes and business properties in the types of real estate available. It does not matter if you are looking for a home or for a property that you can turn a profit. If you are going to make an investment then you should know about the different types of real estate investments that are available.

There are two major types of real estate investments that are available today; commercial and residential.

Each of these two investment types has specific guidelines that are set with them that will make a difference in the functions of real estate. Once you have decided which of the two types of real estate you want to invest in, you will be able to determine what is available to you.

Residential real estate has several different options. There are two types of homes referred to as single-family or multi-family homes. 

Most buyers think of a single-family home for their first purchase. A single-family home is completely independent of the other houses and is situated on a private lot.

Many find the affordability and maintenance of multi-family homes more appealing.  You can expect to have neighbors sharing the same walls with you. The types of multi-family homes include condominiums, cooperatives, or townhomes.  

Condominium ownership only includes the interior of the unit you are occupying, not the exterior walls. The condominium association owns the exterior of a condo building. In a cooperative, you own a share of the interest in the building, but you do not own the physical property. Although a townhome is an attached property, you own part of the physical building and a portion of the land. In all of these options, a homeowner’s association sets the rules and regulations for the homeowners. Each type of ownership usually provides different levels of maintenance for the property.

Commercial real estate, like residential real estate, is also divided into smaller categories. These will often be referred to as commercial properties and can range from office buildings to manufacturing sites. 

The main difference between a commercial building and a residential building is that there will be a different regulation approach. There will be different zoning rules for each type.

If you are in the right area, you could have the opportunity to invest in real estate property that has both commercial and residential areas in one. If you are thinking about having a business from your home or expanding into a business, this type of real estate investment may be an option for you. 

It does not matter if you want a cozy home or a place to start your own business; knowing the different types of real estate available to invest in is the best place to begin your search.

Purchasing Your First Home

The first step in real estate investing is usually to buy your first home. It is an important step to building better finances and living in a comfortable place. However, if you are considering purchasing a home, there are some things that you will want to know before you make a decision that you may regret later on.

Before you ever even attend an open house, you should ensure that you have done your research. You should know the going rates, how much other homeowners are paying every month, and what you can and cannot afford. You will also want to meet with a lender to help you determine the monthly investment you can afford. Understanding your monthly investment will prevent you from getting in over your head. Read this previous blog post to understand the total cost of homeownership.

The next step that you should take is hiring a real estate agent.

Real estate agents can research for you and find the homes that are best suited to your specific wants and needs. You will also want to make sure that the real estate agent has connections with other reputable service providers you will need on your home buying journey. If you utilize the help of professionals, your home buying experience will be much smoother than if you decide to go out on your own. 

Once you start looking at homes with your real estate agent, you need to make sure that you understand all of the terms they will be using. Some of these terms will refer to the market, loan terms, and other real estate jargon that you may not know. If you do not understand the meaning of something, do not be afraid to ask; after all, the real estate agent is there to help you in any way they can. If you take the time to learn the process involved with buying a home, you can be sure to get exactly what you want.

Preventing First Home Pitfalls

You are excited when you decide to buy your first home, but it can also be very stressful. There is also the potential of becoming a nightmare if you do not know what you are doing before making your purchase. In addition, you will experience financial changes when you buy your first home. There will always be those who will get in over their head.

The main thing you must know when purchasing your first home is where you stand with your search. One of the biggest mistakes that many first-time homebuyers will make is deciding on one specific home and then only investing in that home because they became emotionally attached to it. Unfortunately, emotional decisions can cause several problems. 

The first problem is that you may not be able to purchase the home because something happened during the process, and the deal fell through. 

The second problem that people will face is making an offer that is either too high or too low.

It is vital to make sure that you know what the house is worth and how it fits into your financial needs before you make an offer. This will prevent you from paying too much, and it will also prevent you from making an offer that is too low and not winning the bid.

It is essential not to let your emotions get in the way when you are searching for a home, but you should also keep your emotions in check after choosing a home. Even though you may have signed a contract on a home, the purchasing process is not over. There are still several steps that you will have to go through, with the home inspection being one. In addition, if there is a significant problem with the home, or if something goes wrong during the loan process, you will have to start your search over and find a different house. 

The last thing that you need to remember is your budget. To determine your budget, you can look at your credit history and your credit score. If you know what your credit score is, you will be able to estimate the type of loan that will be best for you, which will prevent you from purchasing more than you can afford. 

If you are careful from the beginning and keep your emotions in check when purchasing a home, you will be able to find the best home to suit your needs and wants.

Bargain Homes

You may not find the right size home for you when you go to buy your first home. However, it is possible to find larger homes at a more affordable price if you know the right places to look. 

You may be able to find home auctions or bank foreclosures in the area you would like to live. Many of these homes will be ones the previous owners could not pay for, and the bank foreclosed on them. Because there is no one paying for the house, the bank has to pay the carrying charges, and frequently the bank will lower the price of the home for a quick sale. To understand the pros and cons of buying a foreclosed property, check out this article by Investopedia. 

Your real estate agent has many resources available to help you. They will be able to compare the available homes and find homes that are lower priced.

You can do a lot of the research work on the internet, but you need to walk through a property before you decide to purchase it. Foreclosure properties are a mystery because the bank does not know the maintenance history of the home. You will also want to have inspections before you close on the house to avoid a money pit.

There is a lot to understand when you buy your first home. However, having an experienced real estate agent by your side through every step of the process is a decision you will not regret.

Contact me, Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate. As a Brooklyn real estate agent with over 30 years of experience, I can help you buy your first home with confidence. I can be reached by phone at (718) 253-9500 ext. 1901 or by email at [email protected].

Charles D'Allesandro

Understanding The Home Construction Components That Make Up Your Home

Friday, October 15th, 2021

Home under construction

Many home construction components go into the building of a home. Therefore, understanding home construction may give you a better insight into maintaining your home. 

If you are thinking of updating your home, pay careful attention to these important components before spending money. Check out this recent blog post if you are thinking about completing some updates.

Foundation

Construction begins with a good foundation. The first step is pouring footers to anchor the foundation walls. A common practice used to be to construct walls out of cinder blocks. However, as construction evolved, the use of poured concrete walls became more common.

Water penetration into a foundation can be one of the most costly issues faced by homeowners. In addition, water in the soil can also cause erosion which may affect the settling of the foundation.

Frame

Once the foundation is complete, the following home construction component is the framing of the house. It is during this stage that your home begins to take shape. Framing a home may be done on-site or using manufactured wall panels. A manufactured wall panel is built off-site to the home’s specifications and then delivered to the construction site saving time and labor constraints.

Again, water penetration can occur through a roof or window leak that can rot the framing of the home’s interior. Also, wood-boring insects such as termites and carpenter ants can damage the wood of the home’s framework.

Roof

The next step in construction is from the roof. Typically, plywood is attached to the framework. Underlayment is placed before the shingles are attached. To protect your home from the elements, you need shingles and flashing installed. Additionally, installing ventilation will allow hot air from the interior of your home to escape. Roof vents will prolong the life of your roof. 

Metal roofs are becoming popular and last longer than shingle roofs.

Roof leaks commonly occur around pipe vents and chimneys. Also, as your roof ages, you will want to watch for deteriorating and missing shingles. 

Window and Doors

Once the home is under roof, the next step is to install the windows and doors. Again, there are many types and styles to choose. The style of your home often dictates the style of the window, but the level of quality can vary.

There is a wide range of door types to select. Choices include a solid door, sidelights, or doors with partial glass.

The frame of windows and doors is usually a concern. If an entry does not have a roof or eve over it to protect from the elements, the wooden framework around the door can deteriorate.

Plumbing

There are two components of plumbing; supply and drainage. Pressurizing supply lines push the water to your faucets. The pipes must be strong to withstand the pressure. Copper piping was and remains an acceptable material, but PEX tubing is becoming a more popular choice because it is easier to install and harder to break. 

Drain lines are not pressurized, and therefore, different materials can be used. PVC pipe is a common choice in new construction. Many older homes will have cast-iron pipes. 

Plumbing issues arise from leaks around the toilet or bathtub. Pipes can also clog. Pay attention to any problems as quickly as possible to avoid a costly repair.

Electrical

A home construction component you would never imagine living without is your electrical system. The power enters the home through an electric panel, and circuits distribute the energy throughout the house. 

GFCI or grounded outlets are necessary around areas of water on the interior and exterior of the home. 

Electrical issues are unpredictable but do not frequently happen in a younger home.

Heating & Cooling

Another essential home construction component is the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Here in Brooklyn, we need both heating and an air conditioning system. In some areas of the country, you may only need one or the other.

The standard today is a central forced-air system. But, there are other options available as well. Keeping your home at an optimal temperature will allow you to remain comfortable regardless of the season.

The life expectancy of most systems is 10-15 years. Therefore, changing your air filters regularly will help you prolong the life of your HVAC system. You should also have your system checked annually or per the manufacture’s recommendation.

Siding

The exterior walls of your home will be covered with some type of material. Brick exterior has been a time-tested material but more expensive than siding. There are many types of siding, but the most popular are vinyl, wood, and fiber cement siding. 

All types of siding are effective at protecting your home from the outdoor elements. 

Examine the exterior siding of your home at regular intervals to be sure there is no damage or missing pieces.

Gutters

Gutters catch the water running down from the roof and direct it away from the home through downspouts. The key is to keep moisture away from the foundation of your home to prevent damage. 

Keeping gutters clean and free of debris will allow them to function correctly and help to prevent ice build-up in the cold winter months.

Soffit and Fascia

The soffit is the underside of the overhang where the roof’s edge meets the siding. The soffit is vented and allows your home to breathe, regulating the temperatures. The fascia is the side of the overhang that gives your roof a finished appearance.

These parts are usually a maintenance-free material, but they do need attention. The soffit and fascia can become damaged over time and require replacement to ensure it continues to protect your home.

Drywall

Finishing the interior of the home is an exciting time where things start to take shape. Modern construction adopted the use of drywall (also known as sheetrock) over plaster walls. Drywall is attached to the studs that frame the home. 

The seams between the sheets of drywall are taped and finished to create a smooth appearance. 

Selecting the appropriate finish of paint for the area will help to protect the surface of the drywall. Generally, a higher gloss in the finish of the paint will make it easier to clean.

Finish Carpentry

We often refer to finish carpentry as interior doors, cabinets, baseboards, crown molding, and railings. Trim around doors and windows complete the appearance. Trim is used in many areas to complete the home’s aesthetic by covering gaps where different materials meet.

Crown moulding is a decorative ceiling trim that elevates the look of a room. In addition, there is cabinetry in the kitchen, baths, and built-ins throughout the home.

Routine cleaning and maintenance are needed.

Flooring

Flooring is the last of the home construction components we will be reviewing. Many different types of flooring are available. Styles in flooring change frequently and will depend on the function of the room. Hardwood, tile, and carpeting are classic choices. However, newer vinyl plank floors are durable and stand up to high traffic areas and pets well. 

Different types of flooring require separate maintenance and have various life expectancies. Check with the manufacturer for care instructions.

There are many home construction components. Knowing their function will help you understand the importance of caring for each element. Additionally, regular home maintenance is required no matter the age of your home.

It is helpful to create a seasonal checklist, so you don’t forget anything. Follow these seasonal checklists in this useful New York Times article.

Contact me, Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate. As a Brooklyn real estate agent with over 30 years of experience, I have learned what home areas are important to maintaining. I can be reached by phone at (718) 253-9500 ext. 1901 or by email at [email protected].

Charles D'Allesandro