Pro Tips for Buying a Home

Design: Joseph A. Berkowitz Interiors

Buying a home can be an exhilarating, yet daunting task. We've gathered four experts—a contractor, financial advisor, real estate agent, and designer—to answer all your pressing questions about the home

Our Contractor

John Colaneri of Brunelleschi Construction is best known for his roles on the hit HGTV shows Cousins On Call and Cousins Undercover . When he isn't on set, John and his cousin Anthony specialize in urban development. Follow John on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook .

Why should a new buyer have a home inspection? What does a home inspection entail?

A home inspection will not tell you everything you need to know about the home, but it will give you a good idea of what you're getting into. 

If any mechanicals need to be changed out, or there are water issues present in the home, the inspector can tell you about them. If you find issues, you can use the cost of these fixes to bargain on the final sale price.

Are there any visual markers you could spot while walking through a home that might suggest problems?

Two of the biggest things to look for are water marks and mold. These are things that could cause you a lot of headaches and cost a lot of money to fix. Also, make sure you find out how the home handles the change in seasons. Do they get water in the basement from heavy rain? Is the roof new? If not, make sure it is still in good condition and has no water issues.

Our Financial Advisor

Michael Mullaney is a Liberty Mutual representative. Liberty Mutual is committed to providing broad, useful, and competitively-priced insurance products and services that meet their customers' ever-changing needs.

How does a first-time buyer apply for a mortgage? Is it worth it to get pre-approved?

The first thing you should do is find a mortgage broker you would like to work with. This is crucial because working with the right people and the right company can make the process less stressful. Additionally, finding the right company can help you get the best rate possible. Getting pre-approved is also a big step as it allows you as the buyer to be aware of what you can actually afford.  

What is a down payment? How would a new buyer figure out how much they should save?

The down payment is the amount a buyer puts down toward the principle payment of their home purchase. The more a buyer can put down for their down payment, the lower the mortgage amount and monthly payments. Ideally you want to put down as much money as you can: the optimum amount is at least 20 percent. By putting down at least 20 percent, it will typically keep you from having to pay PMI (private mortgage insurance). PMI is mortgage insurance that protects your lender in case you default on the payments.

When should a new homeowner purchase home insurance? What should a homeowner know before making this decision?

New home buyers should purchase home insurance as soon as their offer is accepted on their home. Securing homeowners insurance early in the process means there's one less item the homeowner needs to check off during the cumbersome buying process. In addition, a lot of companies offer early shopper discounts, which can save money for the premium of your policy. Reviewing your coverage with your agent is critical in making sure that your biggest purchase is properly covered. Here are a few things you want to make sure you know when purchasing insurance:

• The home is insured to value* You have the proper amount of liability coverage* Insurance is only covering the structure of the home, not the land* Finally, review your deductibles  

Our Real Estate Agent

Luke Auen from RE/MAX Luxury Living specializes in high-end real estate. He works closely with his clients to give them sound guidance during an exciting time. You can contact Luke on Facebook and follow him on Instagram .

What should a first-time buyer expect from their agent?

They should look for an agent who is reliable, responsive, and willing to be there throughout the entire process. First-time home buyers typically have more questions about the buying process and need an agent who is trustworthy and honest. For many, buying a home is a lifetime investment and the right real estate agent can make all the difference! 

​What is a homeowners association? What do the fees typically cover?

A homeowners association is made up of owners within a building or private community. The association ensures the rules and regulations are followed and the building is maintained. The fees generally include master insurance, exterior maintenance, water, and snow removal. It can also include heat, hot water, gas, and electric utilities.

Our Designer

Amanda Maday of Studio Grey  is a renowned designer working on projects of all sizes, both commercial and residential. Her work can also be seen on HGTV's Bath Crashers. Follow her on Facebook , Pinterest , and Twitter for more design advice and inspiration.

What are the most important measurements to take before moving into your new home?
The first question homeowners need to ask themselves is what furniture they want to repurpose from their old house. 

Some big items to keep in mind are living room sectionals and bed frames. Make sure your beds can fit in the desired rooms and you can get them through the hallways leading up to the space. Most often people forget to check the measurements of the path to the room, which is just as important as the room itself.

When buying a turn-key home in a new development, what are some easy ways to make it feel unique?

An easy way to bring your own style and unique character to a home is with paint and accessories. Buy items that show off your style, not necessarily the style of the home. Dark paint colors always add a nice contrast to the light neutral walls that most turn-key homes have. Change the standard cabinet hardware out to an eclectic mix of knob styles for a fun vintage look. Try adding wallpaper (yes, it's coming back!) to a bedroom or dining room for a bold, textured accent wall.