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Katie Fears | |612-702-6063
Jim Leicht | |612-239-2740

a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate

Buy A Home

Choose Katie Fears & Jim Licht, the Leicht Fears Group, to find your dream home. With two generations of experience, we're dedicated to building lifelong relationships with our clients. Our deep expertise and unwavering integrity ensure your best interests are always prioritized. We listen attentively to your goals and tailor our approach to fit your unique needs, offering a seamless and personalized home buying experience. Trust our team's blend of expertise, negotiation skills, and genuine kindness to guide you through the process and find the perfect home for you and your family.

 

At the Leicht Fears Group, our extensive knowledge spans the entire spectrum of the real estate market, catering to diverse needs ranging from first-time homebuyers to luxury properties and custom home builders. We've honed our expertise to navigate every aspect of buying and selling homes across all price points. Whether you're stepping into homeownership for the first time or seeking a luxurious retreat, our team is equipped to guide you through the process with precision and care. From understanding the unique challenges of entry-level buyers to the intricate details of luxury estates and custom builds, trust us to provide tailored solutions that exceed your expectations.

 


1) Not Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

After you've determined how much money you can afford to pay on a mortgage, you should contact local banks to see if you can get a pre-approved. Once you are pre-approved, you can rest assured knowing that the bank will give you a mortgage; thus, you can shop for a new home with confidence. Furthermore, it shows sellers that you are serious about buying, giving you the upper hand against prospective buyers who aren't pre-approved for a mortgage.

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2) Overlooking Additional Expenses

When considering your budget, you need to account for property taxes, insurances, repairs and other related expenses. When you buy a home, you'll be required to cover all major repairs. This, of course, differs from renting, in which the landlord is responsible for repairs. Additionally, some properties require buyers/owners to pay a homeowner's association fee. Ask your real estate professional about common expenses associated with the home you are interested in buying.


3) Skipping the Home Inspection

Whether it's required or not, you should always invest in a home inspection before buying a home. Even if the home "looks" well kept, there could be underlying issues with the electrical or plumbing systems. Only a professional home inspector can find these problems.


4) Not Shopping Around

Finally, don't make the mistake of buying the first home you come across that meets your criteria. Buying a new home is a big decision that usually means investing at least five years into staying at the residence (if you want to generate equity). So, always shop around and search multiple properties before buying.


5) Choosing the Wrong Real Estate Agent, or DIY

Don't make the mistake of choosing the wrong real estate agent with whom to work. This person will act as your guide, searching for potential homes, contacting sellers and answering any questions you may have. A good real estate agent should also work to negotiate the best possible deal, which can subsequently save you thousands of dollars. Because of this, it's important to choose a trustworthy, reliable and experienced real estate agent.

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6) A Realtor is Essential for Luxury Home Buyers

When shopping for luxury homes or hiring a custom builder, the expertise of a seasoned realtor is indispensable. Realtors specializing in luxury properties possess in-depth knowledge of the high-end market, including exclusive listings, market trends, and negotiation strategies tailored to affluent clientele. They offer invaluable guidance throughout the intricate process, ensuring clients make informed decisions aligned with their lifestyle, preferences, and investment goals.

Status Definitions

For sale: Properties which are available for showings and purchase

Active contingent: Properties which are available for showing but are under contract with another buyer

Pending: Properties which are under contract with a buyer and are no longer available for showings

Sold: Properties on which the sale has closed.

Coming soon: Properties which will be on the market soon and are not available for showings.

Contingent and Pending statuses may not be available for all listings