First Time Home Buyer? Finding the right realtor is key.

If you are a first-time home buyer the process of buying a home can be overwhelming.  So where do you start?  Let me lay out the overview for you. Finding the right realtor to help you is essential along with finding the right lender.  You should interview your prospective realtors to see who you feel comfortable with.  A great realtor will have systems and processes in place to help make your transaction as smooth as possible.  Find out their sales history, look at reviews and Google the realtor to get a little more background on them.  A great realtor already has lending partners to recommend to their clients.  These lenders probably have a great track record and have proven to do a good job or the realtor would not work with them.  Your realtor should suggest that you speak to at least two lenders to see where you are getting a better deal.  Interest rates change daily like gas prices.  There are different times and requirements for locking in interest rates.  A loan has so many variables and a great lender and realtor with experience can help you with any questions or concerns. As a first-time buyer, you need someone to be responsive and provide good communication.  You need someone to explain and hold your hand throughout the entire process.  A great realtor has the ability to help you with inspections, appraisals, repairs,  getting to the closing table, etc,.  Many people have friends and family that are realtors but ask yourself who you trust with the biggest purchase of your life.  Would you trust your healthcare to a beginner?  You should not trust just anybody to help you buy or sell a home.   Do your research and ask questions.  We would love to interview for the job!  

We Can Help With Buying a Home in Nashville, TN

Are you looking to buy a home in Nashville? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about buying a home in Nashville, from understanding the local housing market to finding the right real estate agent. Before you start your search for a home, it’s important to understand the local housing market in Nashville. This will give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of pricing and availability. In this section, we’ll go over recent trends in the housing market, including average home prices, inventory levels, and popular neighborhoods. Having the right real estate agent can make all the difference when buying a home in Nashville. In this section, we’ll discuss what to look for in a real estate agent, including experience, local knowledge, and communication skills. We’ll also provide a list of top real estate agents in the area to help you get started. Buying a home is a major financial decision, and it’s important to have a solid understanding of your financing options. In this section, we’ll discuss different types of mortgages, as well as other financing options such as FHA loans and VA loans. We’ll also provide information on local lenders and mortgage brokers. Now that you have a better understanding of the local housing market and financing options, it’s time to start your search for the perfect home. In this section, we’ll discuss different methods for searching for homes, including online listings, open houses, and working with a real estate agent. We’ll also provide tips for narrowing down your search and finding the right home for your needs. Once you’ve found the right home, it’s time to make an offer and close the deal. In this section, we’ll discuss the process of making an offer, negotiating with the seller, and closing the deal. We’ll also provide tips for avoiding common mistakes that can derail your home purchase. Buying a home in Nashville can be a daunting task, but with the right information and guidance, it’s possible to find the perfect home for your needs. We hope this guide has been helpful in providing you with the information you need to make a smart and informed decision. If you have any further questions or would like to speak with a local real estate agent, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Waiting for the crash? Don't.

Are you waiting for the market to crash before you buy a home?  I sit here at 6 am trying to get ready for the day and looking ahead to client appointments.  I am reading industry articles and social media posts about everyone's opinion of the market.  Here is what I do know and anybody thinking of buying or selling a home should think about it. Let me say this, the market is not going to crash.  Quit sitting on the fence waiting for it to crash.  House prices never go down and if you wait for 2-3 yrs to buy a home, the prices are definitely going to be higher.  It is a fact that material costs, labor costs, shipping, etc., all go up and don't come back down usually. One of the people I follow is Dave Ramsey, like him or not, he is a financial expert.  Dave did some research over 44 yrs of housing data and found that only 2 times did home prices actually fluctuate or drop below 3% of market value.  We have a housing shortage that will never go away in our lifetime it seems.  We usually have on average about 5 million transactions a year and 2023 could dip below that.  So a shortage of homes will always keep the prices steady.   People have to understand the housing market is returning to normal.  Normal means no more selling a home in less than 24 hrs but selling it over 30-60 days.  Lenders are getting creative and offering rate buy-down programs to keep payments lower.  The federal government announced that they are cutting PMI premiums for new FHA loans.  This is a huge saving and will drive buyers back to the market with more affordable house payments. It also means buyers might be able to afford more house than before as well.  Financial experts in the residential field also believe that the interest rate hikes the FED as been doing will slow down and allow the rates to soften for buyers.  I would say 2023 is going to be interesting, but good for the housing market.   If you are interested in buying a home get a great realtor that knows the market and knows how to navigate the market.  A good realtor will be aware of current options and ways to negotiate the deal.  Of course, if you need any help in the middle Tennessee area give us a call, 615-207-5602. 

"The Lucas Group of Benchmark Realty: Your Trusted Partner in Real Estate in Middle Tennessee

Welcome to our first blog post! We're the Lucas Group of Benchmark Realty, and we're here to help you navigate the exciting and sometimes overwhelming world of real estate in Middle Tennessee. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or anywhere in between, we're here to help you achieve your real estate goals. Our team, led by Jeff Lucas, has extensive knowledge of the Middle Tennessee real estate market and a passion for helping our clients. We understand that buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make, and we're here to make sure you're comfortable every step of the way. Our mission is to provide our clients with a smooth, stress-free experience and ensure that they get the best value for their property or find their dream home. We use a combination of cutting-edge technology and personalized service to make the process as seamless as possible. We're with you from start to finish, guiding you through the buying or selling process and answering any questions you may have. Whether you're looking for your first home, upgrading to a larger property, or looking to invest in real estate, we're here to help. We invite you to get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation and start your real estate journey. Stay tuned for more real estate tips, insights, and information from the Lucas Group of Benchmark Realty. We look forward to helping you achieve your real estate dreams!"