Dowelltown

For Buyers

Interested in buying a home or property in that part of Dekalb County we locals call “under the hill:” Snows Hill to Alexandra through Dowelltown, Liberty, over to Temperance Hall, or Cottage Home in Wilson County — and all the hills, hollers and bottom land in between.

This is a special area sometimes a world apart from Smithville, the county seat, and communities “above the hill.”

Thinking about buying, relocating or retiring here? Real estate in this part of Middle Tennessee still very affordable. So what kind of home or property are you looking for, and what’s available in your price range?

Most purchasers, require some form of financing. Take a look at your financial situation, resources, and obligations to determine what’s affordable. To help, I’ve pulled together some tools to help you determine your price range, and the real costs and advantages of home ownership. There’s also checklists to help you narrow your search. Once you have a good idea what you’re looking for— be it a house, lot, land or farm—you can start your search here and see all that’s available on our local MLS. Through Center Hill Realty’s website you can create a folder of properties which interest you, and register your preferences to receive email alerts as soon as appropriate properties are put up for sale.

Finding the right property is only one step in the purchase process. A successful real estate transaction requires a team of professionals I can refer you to sources of financing, a home inspector, or recommendations on any service provider before or after the sale, wI can help. As a resident here more than 30 years, I can advise you with market insight you won’t get from a virtual tour or page of listing information.

So take time to explore the site and tools I’ve put together at your pace. When you have a question or are ready to get serious about finding the right property. fell free call or email me. I’d welcome the chance to work with you.

No matter who you choose to represent you, here’s some simple way to make the emotional purchase process a more rewarding experience.

Prepare: Think about what you want, and establish priorities in the type of property, size and features of a home, the neighborhood and surrounding amenities. Use this site and the Web to learn more about neighborhoods and communities where you might like to live.

At the same time, assess your financial situation, and what you can afford. How much can you pay for a mortgage, on a regularly monthly basis? Home ownership can entail more expenses than renting, like insurance, and maintenance. Visit your bank and find out how much a mortgage you’d qualify for, based on your financial situation. You’ll likely require some cash reserves for a downpayment as a condition of most mortgage loans. It may be best to save for a few months before you’re ready to buy.

Whatever your situation, a clear picture of your finances will help guide you and your real estate professional in your search for the perfect property.

Hire A Realtor: A Realtor— a member of the National Association of Realtors— has training, knowledge and experience to assist you, from finding property through negotiations and closing. Get recommendations from friends, family and past clients. Use the Realtors’ and/or their brokers’ Websites to pre-screen candidates; it’s usually a good indication of how well they know their market area, and the level of professional services they can provide. When you call any agent about a listing, ask about their relationship is with the seller. You may want to hire a buyer's agent to represent you.

Explain to your agent your financial situation and motivation to buy, and any preferences you’ve established about where or what type of property interests you. Listen to what he or she says about the market, trends and sources of financing. Use the Web, and his or her recommendations to prescreen properties through virtual tours, narrowing your selection to only those which are within your range and truly interest you.

Patience: When you progress from photo tours to visiting listings, leave your emotions at home. Don’t fall in love with any place until you own it. Be thorough in your evaluations of the property and surroundings. Don’t compromise without cause. Listen to your Realtor’s candid assessment and advice on steps you should take or considerations to make to protect your interests. Be honest and open about your enthusiasm and concerns and, and trust him or her to represent your interests during negotiations.

Be patient, especially after the contract is signed. There’s much to do and much which can delay the transition to a successful closing. But in the end, with your Realtor’s help, it will all be worth it.

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