So, you chose Pennsylvania as your next destination? Wise choice. Pennsylvania is one of the most beautiful and inviting states in the US with a lot to offer to its residents. However, buying a first home in Pennsylvania can be challenging if you don’t know what you are doing. You have to take care of everything. From finding a good real estate agent to finding a home you like, and from organizing a move to the actual relocation process. How can you buy your first home in Pennsylvania, what should you take care of, and why is Pennsylvania such a good destination? Those are the questions we are going to try to answer in this article. So, without further ado, let’s begin!
Why move to Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is among the most beautiful and welcoming states in the US. Pennsylvania is known for many things, from chocolate factories to its many cities. Also, people who want to retire like to go to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is also known for its stable housing market. And this is what we are interested in right now. Its stable housing market and the great location of Pennsylvania are among the biggest factors why people from all over the US decide to settle in this state.
First, you should determine if you are ready for buying a first home in Pennsylvania
This goes without saying – don’t go too much int debt to buy a home. You shouldn’t buy a home if you are already in too much debt. You have to do some calculations first. First, it wouldn’t hurt to see jus how much money do you have. Don’t just go to your bank and demand a credit if you are already in too much debt. Some banks won’t even give you a credit if they decide that you are not going to pay them back. Maybe selling an apartment is a good idea.
So, calculate first, ask questions later. Know what is your financial position at the moment. Also, don’t expect that by buying a home you will be done with spending. After that, you’ll have to pay a bunch of taxes, and you will also have to pay your real estate agent for the services. So, be honest with what you can afford.
Find a real estate agent
first home in Pennsylvania is like buying a home in California, or New York, or in any state with a stable housing market. If you have enough money to buy a new home, it is time to find a real estate agent. And that agent should be good. You have to find a real estate agent that will listen to your wishes and needs carefully. This agent should take into consideration all of your wishes, and after hearing them, be prepared to give you some good recommendations and advice. That agent should explain to you the fluctuations in the market and when is the best time to buy property in Pennsylvania. It is not every day that you’ll be buying a property in Pennsylvania, and this is why you should listen to your agent carefully too.
Request a home inspection
After you have found a home that you like, you should request an inspection of that home. If the owner refuses to let you in and inspect every little detail, that should be taken as a sign to stay away from that home. A better way to do a home inspection is to pay a home inspector to do it for you. You should also go with your home inspector to the home you are considering buying. Issues you can find in homes are mold, termites, problems with the foundation, a roof that should be replaced, leakages, and the list goes on. If you find a problem with the home you are trying to buy, that may be a good thing. You can negotiate a lower price if you find a problem with the home.
Also, you can negotiate a lower price if you know that the home needs repairs. This is why you should consider an independent home inspection, separate from the one the homeowners had done. Many people rush when buying a home, and they up paying for the repairs more than they can afford.
Try to be patient during escrow
Once your offer is accepted, you will go into escrow. An escrow payment refers to the portion of a mortgage payment that is designated to pay for real property taxes and hazard insurance. The person who holds the escrow will ensure that all of the documents, money, and other valuable information are prepared before you close the deal. Escrow exists to protect the seller, the buyer, and the lender. This can take some time. Often, a closing date can be up to five weeks in the future.
Hire a good moving company in the meantime
Now is the time to prepare for your move to Pennsylvania. You should start organizing your move, packing for the relocation, and all that jazz. In the meantime, you should call a reliable and professional moving company. One of the best companies on the market is Old City Movers. You are working with professionals like your real estate agent, so why not work with moving professionals that can carry your stuff to your new location in Pennsylvania?
It is time to close the deal!
When the closing date arrives, it is time to buy the property in Pennsylvania. This is the most exciting part of the process. Obviously, you need to show up and sign the final papers. Then the escrow agent will release the funds to all parties. Congratulations! Buying a first home in Pennsylvania has been finished! Now you are a proud owner of your new Pennsylvania home! Now you can unpack, paint your new home, arrange what goes where, and enjoy your new nest. Don’t forget to throw a house warming party!
Good luck to you!
