OK, so you think you are ready to buy a home.  Well, how do we get started? 

Today, most people look at the internet to start their search on finding  homes. They will look in the area where they choose to posssibly live. The internet today can give us a vast amount of information, but homebuyers should not always rely on the sometimes partial and outdated information that many online sources provide. 

But let’s back up for a moment. Looking at homes is all well and good, but the first thing you should do when thinking of buying a home is to talk with your bank or lender and get pre-qualified.  

The lender will help you through the steps on what is required of you to get  pre-qualified. This will help you get the price range that fits your budget. This is very important. When you meet the first time with an agent, you can immediately tell them you are pre-qualified and the price range that will fit your budget. 

When you begin the process of looking at homes, most people will want to look at many homes, which is good. The agent should provide you with the print out of the homes that you will be looking at, so when you enter the home you will have all the information in you hands. 

Comparing homes is the clue to getting  you the most for your investment.The concept of ‘HOME’ still pulls at the heartsrings of all of us. Upgraded features are very important. The kitchen is very important to most. Countertops are very appealing. Quartz (engineered stone) is very popular; granite  marble and soapstone (natural stone) as well. Are the appliances up to date? Look at the ceilings. Do they have crown moldings (sometimes even in the bathrooms)? 

Are the ceiling vaulted and treys? Do they have a coffered ceiling? Hardwoods or carpet?  

Real tile in baths? If home is on the water does the home have a maxi dock, flag dock, wharf dock, platform dock or an assigned slip or day dock? What is the covering? What is the waterfrontage? 

These are the features that will vary the price of the home. Square footage does not always come into play. 

If a home does not offer as much square footage,  it may offer many upgrades. Ask how old the HVAC is. How old is the hot water heater? Be sure to look at the roof. All homes should be inspected before the closing.

Remember, it is always nice to have it all in a home, but a little paint and upgrading can do wonders. Today, any material you need to do upgrading is avaliable at your fingertips. With a little TLC, you can add value to your home.  

Good lake lots are still at a premium. If you are thinking of buying a lake lot and are on a budget, you might consider buying a good lake lot and being more conservative when building your home.  Remember, location, location, location. We live at Lake Oconee.             

Good luck on finding your new home. 

There are many beautiful lots and homes out there for you to purchase. Call a good agent.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The whole world is a banquet, don’t starve yourself.

Don or Shirley Smith have more than 24 years experience as realtors in the Lake Oconee area. They  can be reached at 706-453-6333. Email: donshirley@jojonesrealestate.com. Real Estate Company: Jo Jones & Co. Real Estate. Specializing in all gated, non-gated communities,  including Del Webb.