Hi, I’m Doksimon
a Realtor Residential Developer Content Creator

Benefits Of Using A Real Estate Agent To Buy A Home

When considering the purchase of a house, it’s common to underestimate the advantages of collaborating with a real estate firm, perhaps due to past negative experiences or skepticism about the role of real estate agents. A prevalent misconception is that the expense of hiring professionals in the residential property buying process may not justify the costs. However, recognizing the significance of identifying the best real estate agents is crucial to ensuring the value of your investment.

A proficient real estate agent doesn’t complicate the property-buying process but instead lightens your burden and reduces stress. Here are ten benefits of engaging a real estate agent when purchasing a home:

1. Professional Market Knowledge: Real estate professionals possess comprehensive knowledge of the market, understanding its intricacies and providing you with a valuable asset throughout the process. Their expertise covers all aspects of the property market, including the impact of factors such as mortgage interest rates and unemployment rates.
2. Access to Exclusive Properties: Real estate agents expand your options by offering access to both listed and off-market properties. Many sellers prefer to keep their sales private, giving you special access to houses that may not be widely advertised.
3. Cost Guidance: Real estate agents offer an objective perspective on whether a house is reasonably priced or not. Emotions can cloud judgment, leading to overestimation or undervaluation of a property. A professional real estate agent provides an unbiased assessment of a property’s worth.
4. Assistance with Legal Documents: Buying a residential property involves significant paperwork. A good real estate agent helps you navigate through legal documents, ensuring you have all necessary paperwork ready and reducing the complexity of the process.
5. Negotiation Skills: Realtors possess excellent negotiation skills, leveraging years of experience and market knowledge. They advocate for you and use proven strategies to secure the best deal, free from personal attachments to the purchase.
6. Connections and Networks: Established real estate firms have extensive networks, offering a one-stop solution for various services. This includes connecting you with reputable designers and contractors for renovations, streamlining the process for you. In our case, we run a construction company (Doksimon & Larkins Limited) that designs and build from ground to finish.
7. Handling Complicated Transactions: Real estate brokers are well-versed in the complexities of real estate transactions. They provide guidance and advice throughout the process, addressing potential issues that may arise and ensuring a smooth buying experience.
8. Detection of Future Problems: Experienced realtors can identify areas in a property that may pose future problems. Their professional eye helps assess what improvements are needed to enhance the property’s value.
9. Time and Energy Savings: A reliable realtor manages the numerous paperwork associated with property purchases, making the process more comfortable and efficient. They also shield you from the inundation of seller marketing techniques.
10. Motivational Support: Your realtor is committed to finding a home where you can live peacefully. Their success hinges on locating the right property for you, making them highly motivated and dedicated to your home search.

8 Steps To Consider Before Building Your Dream Home

Dreaming of residing in a beautiful home is a common desire, and there’s no better way to ensure your dwelling aligns with your personality and lifestyle than by designing it yourself. Witnessing your hard-earned money transform into a home of which you can truly be proud is one of life’s most rewarding experiences.

However, the decision to build your dream house is significant and can swiftly become overwhelming. Given the costliness of mistakes, it’s crucial not to make decisions without certainty. To bolster your confidence in embarking on this journey, here are eight considerations if you’re planning to construct your dream home:

1. Define Your Goals: Start by setting achievable targets. Clearly identify what you want and envision the final outcome. This big-picture thinking will guide you toward your desired result. Ask yourself questions like how to achieve this, who to seek help from, and if there’s a need for a plan B. Research extensively and seek advice from credible sources to gain a better understanding of the home-building process.
2. Establish a Budget: Examine the financial aspect carefully. Stick to your defined budget and explore the best ways to achieve your desired outcome without overspending. Whether through a loan or bank savings, determine the most suitable financing method. In the Ghana, construction costs typically range from plus or minus 4,000 cedis averagely per sqm if you have a builder handling the entire construction process.
3. Consider the Location: After research and budget planning, revisit your dream house vision by selecting the best location. Consult local estate agents. Choosing the best location is very important, You would not want to put a mansion in a new developing area with no proper amenities. (1. it reduces the value of your house if you intend to sell, 2. It draws a lot of attention and might make you a target of theft.).
4. Hire the Right Professionals: As you engage with real estate companies, build a competent team. Home construction is a collaborative effort, and hiring the right professionals is crucial. Choose contractors with excellent recommendations and a proven track record, like my company Doksimon & Larkins Construction. Ensure they take care of both supplies and the construction work. Don’t forget to include essential team members such as architects and interior designers. In our case we design and build so you have nothing to worry.
5. Permits and Paperwork: With the team in place, legalize the trade by signing contracts. Contracts are vital to prevent dishonest dealings and serve as legitimate proof of the agreed relationship. Trustworthy contractors often handle the acquisition of construction permits, relieving you of that responsibility.
6. Know Your Style: As the actual construction process approaches, be clear about your preferred style. Set firm standards for your home and discuss design options with architects and interior designers. Their professional advice can help refine your vision.
7. Communicate With Your Team: Maintain open communication throughout the building process. Actively engage with the builders, providing a concrete image of your desires. While it’s essential to communicate your preferences clearly, also be open to their suggestions, considering their professional expertise.

By considering these factors, you can navigate the process of building your dream house with confidence and ensure that it becomes the ideal home for your lifestyle and preferences.

Red Flags To Avoid or Consider When Buying a Home

Purchasing a house stands apart from other transactions as it involves selecting the place where you and your family will reside for years, if not a lifetime. Thus, ensuring that the residential property aligns with your preferences is crucial. When navigating the real estate market, it’s imperative not to rely solely on appearances or information provided. Buyers, in collaboration with their trusted realtor, must exercise extra caution throughout the entire house-hunting and buying process.

Even without extensive real estate knowledge, any buyer seeking a new home can be vigilant for certain aspects during the home-hunting phase to avoid unpleasant surprises. To steer clear of undesirable residential properties that may cause more harm than good, here are 11 red flags to be wary of when making your home purchase.

1. The Price Is Too Good To Be True:
   While everyone desires a good deal, opting for the cheapest option may not be the wisest choice. By perusing various online real estate listings, you can gauge the typical prices for properties in a given area. If a house’s price seems unusually low, exercise caution, inquire with your realtor, and investigate the reasons behind its value.
2. Not Enough Pictures In the Online Listing:
   A scarcity of high-quality photos in a listing is a significant red flag. Although online listings have limitations, most reputable real estate firms make an effort to showcase a property through photos. Insufficient pictures may indicate that the property may not live up to expectations in real life.
3. Immediate Move-Out by Previous Owners:
   The speed at which the previous occupants vacated the premises can be a red flag. While this might not heavily influence your decision, understanding the reasons behind their swift departure is advisable. If possible, contact the previous occupants for insights.
4. Re-listing Immediately After Being Under Contract:
   If a property reappears on the market shortly after being under contract, it raises questions. Consult your realtor, who can determine the last contract date and identify any unusual circumstances.
5. Moldy Smell:
   During inspections, pay attention to more than just the aesthetics. Unpleasant odors may suggest poor maintenance. Strong air fresheners may be used to mask underlying issues, so investigate further.
6. Insect or Pest Manifestation:
   Active insect, termite, or pest presence can compromise a property’s quality. Subtle signs include a hollow sound when knocking on wood surfaces or small brown droppings near walls.
7. Plumbing Problems:
   Severe plumbing issues revealed in a home inspection could be a red flag. However, some plumbing problems, like a loud toilet or slow-draining tub, can be rectified post-purchase.
8. Cracks in the Foundation:
   Large cracks indicate a weak foundation. Cracks exceeding 1/2 inch should prompt a structural expert inspection. Minor cracks are normal, but extensive fractures warrant attention.
9. Fresh Paint on Walls:
   While fresh paint can enhance walls, stains or sagging surfaces may indicate larger issues like water damage, mildew, or mold. Have an inspector examine potential underlying problems.
10. Excessive Properties for Sale on the Same Street:
    A surplus of for-sale properties on a single street could signal location issues. Discuss this observation with your realtor to understand potential concerns.
11. House Flips:
    If the property was acquired and renovated by a developer, investigate the quality of the work. Cosmetic changes might not address critical components, necessitating thorough scrutiny.

In conclusion, it’s crucial to remain vigilant during the home-buying process. Before committing to a property, discuss these red flags with your trusted realtor to make an informed decision.