buyer Archives - Rector Hayden REALTORS®

There are a number of great apps and programs that can easily control the systems in your home – many of which can be mastered even if your tech skills are less than expert. Here are some tech-related tips to consider when buying a home in today’s market!

Get connected

While most homes will be wired for cable and Internet, you might want to see if the nearest cell tower is providing good mobile phone service for you in case your Wi-Fi doesn’t reach to that grill in the backyard. Obviously, if you love the home this may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s nice to know if you’ll need to consider switching phone carriers before moving into your new abode.

Create a smart home

Many buyers want to connect their home’s systems, appliances and technologies so they can easily control them from their mobile devices. A common example of this is the Nest thermostat, which becomes intelligent to your living habits over time and turns itself down when you’re away. Nest also features a live-streaming service, to provide a full smart home service that includes smoke and carbon monoxide detection.

The Rachio smart sprinkler system is good way to keep your utility bills down. Rachio measures weather conditions in your area and makes sure your lawn is watered only as much as it needs to stay lush and green.

While devices like Nest and Rachio help you save money, many other smart home products are designed with convenience and safety in mind. For example, products like Ascend and LiftMaster open and close your garage door from your smartphone, allowing you to let in guests when you’re not around or to double check that your home is secure even after you get to work. Similarly, the August Smart Lock detects when you (or approved guests) are approaching and unlocks your front door. That’s right — you can finally carry all seven grocery bags into your home at once! Plus, August’s customization options mean you can give 24/7 access to your world-traveler brother who shows up unannounced but only let your contractor in when you have a set appointment.

Also, for those of us who aren’t morning people, there are several automatic coffee makers out there that will brew coffee on demand from your smartphone in just minutes. Although you can set up a brew time in advance, just think of the power you’ll feel when you hit “brew” — then “snooze” — allowing a few more minutes of sleep and the promise of a fresh cup of joe when you finally arise!

One final thought – remember that if you control security systems or smart appliances with your mobile phone, you need to be sure the device is protected against hackers. Add a pass code to your phone, and download an app that will remotely erase data if your phone is lost or stolen.

Thinking of buying?

Whatever the reason – a recent “life event”, upsizing, downsizing or tired of paying rent
– it’s a great time to achieve your homeownership goals!

Pre-Tip: Get a Rector Hayden Agent to assist you.

#1. Determine your limits

Financial experts often say that you shouldn’t spend more than 28 percent of your total income on housing, but it really varies for each person. Keep in mind that your current credit score will be a major factor in how much money you can borrow.

You can determine your general range by playing around with online mortgage calculators, but it’s best to work with a lender to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Why? Well, the difference between a $200,000 and $250,000 home can be stark, and it’s best not to get your hopes up before you know what you can afford. Your Rector Hayden Agent will be invaluable in guiding you to the best lenders in town – including Rector Hayden Mortgage!

#2. Begin the hunt

Now the fun stuff – the online search! Just 20 years ago, buyers had to search through thick, printed listing books to find homes that matched their price and location. Luckily today, your search can begin from your couch……or while in line at Starbucks.

Rector Hayden’s top home-search website and exclusive home search app have every available MLS listing in Lexington and Central Kentucky – updated at the top of every hour — so you can perform the most accurate and up-to-date searches! Set up an account on either and save and share homes with your family and friends – as well as connect with your agent so they can see your likes and dislikes as well!

#4. Finalize your needs

You may find yourself falling in love with homes in different locations, with varying styles, prices and features. That’s actually a good thing in today’s seller’s market — to get to the closing table, it may be necessary to keep your mind open to several options.

Work with your Rector Hayden Agent to determine your top needs, and then keep in mind the qualities and amenities that are unlikely to change versus those that you can alter. For example, a neighborhood’s walkability is pretty set, but you can always tear up carpet to put in hardwood floors, or refinish a kitchen to get the farmer’s sink you love. Once you have an established set of needs, it’s time to begin looking in earnest.

#5. Tour inside homes…and think resale

Your Rector Hayden Agent will set up the showings for you – and as you view the homes and get the overall “feel”, if can be beneficial to think of yourself as an inspector. Pay attention to when upgrades were done, or if appliances have been replaced recently. It’s important to take note of how much work your eventual home will need.

It’s also good to talk with your Rector Hayden Agent about the potential resale value of the home. At this point, you may not have any thoughts about ever selling – but it’s wise to ensure that your investment will be a good one in the future, should you ever decide to sell.

Want to learn more about the Home Buying Journey? Walk through our online e-journey to get a feel for all of the steps toward buying your next home. But remember, a Rector Hayden Buyer’s Agent is your BEST resource on your home buying journey!