Get Set to Buy a New Home This Year

February 3, 2018

If you’re planning to buy one of the Columbus GA new homes on the market this year, there are a few things to be aware of before you begin house-hunting. Even if you’ve bought houses before, changes in the marketplace and the new tax law make things a little different this year. Read on to find out what you need to know to buy a new house in 2018:

Cash buyers on the rise

Increasing numbers of buyers with ready cash will make buying a home more competitive. Be ready with strategies to beat out other buyers. Show sellers you’re willing to be flexible on things like closing costs, contingencies and inclusion of appliances in the sale. Another tip is to write the sellers a letter explaining what you love about the house and telling them a little about yourself and your family. Be sure to get prequalified for a mortgage before you begin shopping, so you can obtain financing as quickly as possible.

Changes in the tax law

Previously, taxpayers could deduct mortgage interest on loans up to $1 million. Under the new tax law, the limit has been reduced to $750,000. This won’t affect most homeowners, but those on the upper end of the market will want to take it into consideration. Those with existing loans will be grandfathered into the previous limit.

Meanwhile, homeowners will face a reduction in the amount of property tax, sales tax and state income tax they can write off. The limit is now $10,000, which may cause some buyers to search for homes in areas with lower property tax and state income tax. The result would be greater competition for upscale homes in those areas.

Smarter selling techniques

By now most home sellers have become aware of the staging techniques that help a home look its best. Make sure you look beyond the staging to check out the home’s fundamentals. Do the lights, HVAC and plumbing work properly? Are the walls, ceilings and floors in good condition? Do all the windows and doors open and close as they should? You’ll most likely have a home inspection before closing on a house, but taking time to check things out beforehand can save you time and money in your house hunt.

Rose Anne Erickson Realty can help you navigate today’s real estate world. They’ll guide you in your search for Columbus GA new homes and help you find just what you’re looking for!

Categorised in: Community Info, New Home Tips

This post was written by Rose Anne Erickson