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Usually, spring and summer is the busiest time in residential real estate. Most families want to take advantage of the good weather and the children’s summer break. However in most regions, spring is also when houses are most expensive. During this time, there are a lot of buyers and competition is tough.

Here are some measures you can take that can give you an advantage over other buyers:

  • If you plan to work with a real estate agent, start early. Interview three to four agents and talk to their references as well. Once you have chosen, let the agent know exactly what you’re looking for. Be specific and detailed. 
  • Get your loan pre-approved. By doing this early, you have one less task to think about. You’ll also know how much you can borrow. This will save you from looking at houses you can’t afford. And when you make an offer with a pre-approved loan, the sellers know that you’re serious.
  • Determine how much you can afford for downpayment. According to NAR, first-time buyers usually make a down payment of 6 percent on a home purchase, and 24 percent of down payment funds were gifts from relatives or friends. If you don’t have this option, you can turn to loan programs that accept 5-3 percent downpayment. Closing costs typically range from 2-7 percent of the property cost. 
  • Always be ready for your agent’s call. If the competition is tight, as soon as your realtor finds a good deal that is up to your criteria, they’ll notify you. Be ready to visit the house and once you determine that it’s going to be a good buy, make an offer. 
  • When you look at houses, consider the potential. There are some things you cannot change like the neighborhood, proximity to job centers and schools, the basic floorplan of the house, and size of the back yard. But don’t turn your back on a house because you don’t like the color of the paint, the design of the carpet or wallpaper. These are things you can change according to your taste. Try to imagine the house with the furniture and carpet which you think goes best with the house.  Do you ike it now?
  • If you’re in a seller’s market consut your real estate agent on how much you should offer. If there’s competition, consider offering more than the listing price. Avoid asking for a long closing date or extras like carpet allowances. 
  • Start thinking about home insurance now. Start by checking that your credit report is accurate. The accuracy of your credit repor is very important. It will determine if a company will cover you and for how much. According to the Insurance Information Institute, you should get a copy of your loss history report like a CLUE report from ChoicePoint or an A-PLUS report from Insurance Services Office. They record home insurance claims. If you weren’t able to file a claim in the past five years, you won’t have a loss history report. This gives you a better report and a lower premium. If you previously rented, you should have renter’s insurance. Your insurance history will be helpful when you apply for insurance for your new home. 

Corey Bishop - Extension 701

Corey Bishop started his Real Estate career as a Sale Associate in 1995. Currently Corey is a licensed Broker in MA and Salesperson in VT. He carries many professional designations including the ABR,ATWDC,CRS,C2EX,GRI,SEC,SFR,RSPS.

Corey owns Bishop West Real Estate Inc with his business Partner Peter West which services Massachusetts, New York & Vermont. He’s also the co-owner of Bishop West Real Estate LLC with Mr. West which services the State of Florida with Offices in Venice & North Port

A current member of the Society of Exchange Counselors; the nation’s premier creative real estate marketing organization, Corey also served on the Board of Governors and is involved with many other committees for the Society.

Corey holds an Unrestricted Construction Supervisor and a Home Improvement Contractor license in the state of MA. As one of the owners of Modular Building Systems Inc he has been instrumental in the construction of new modular homes, residential fix & flips, multi-family renovations, commercial and Industrial building updates and renovations.

Currently his business revolves around Managing Bishop West Real Estate Inc & LLC, selling and investing in Residential, Land, Commercial & Investment real estate on a national level for clients, or on his own behalf. He also owns and manages a large apartment and Commercial/Industrial real estate portfolio.

Corey also is the managing partner of The Bishop West School of Real Estate, a Real Estate School that provides education on a local, regional & national level.

Professional Affiliations Include:

– NAR – National Association of Realtors

– SEC – Society of Exchange Counselors

– BCBOR – Berkshire County Board of Realtors

Professional Designations & Certifications Held:

– ABR – Accredited Buyers Representative

– AHWD – At Home with Diversity

– CRS – Certified Residential Specialist

– C2EX – Committed to Excellence

– GRI – Graduate of Real Estate Institute

– SFR – Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource

– SEC – Society of Exchange Counselors

– RSPS – Resort & Second Home Property Specialist

Other Notable items:

– President of Modular Building Systems Inc.

– Vice President of Bishop West Real Estate Inc. (MA, NY, VT)

– Managing Partner of Bishop West Real Estate LLC. (Florida)

– President of Bishop West School of Real Estate. A Licensed MA Real Estate School

– Managing partner of Interstate Investment Group LLC & Trifecta Properties LLC

– 2022 Berkshire County MLS Board of Directors

Community Involvement:

– Current President of the Adams Lassie Softball League & The Greylock Thunder Travel Softball League

– Current member of The Hoosac Valley Hurricanes Basketball & Baseball Booster Clubs

– Former Vice Chairman of the Town of Adams Conservation Commission

– Current Elected Town of Adams Meeting Member

– Past North Adams Rotary President

Email: [email protected]

Would you like to submit your personal testimonial for Bishop West? Click this link: https://g.page/r/CYY8OstrcfDfEAI/review
 
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