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Real Estate - Home » FAQs » How Do I Know If It’s Time to Buy Instead of Rent?

How Do I Know If It’s Time to Buy Instead of Rent?

January 26, 2023 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

A

How Do I Know If It’s Time to Buy Instead of Rent?

Posted by Libby Guthrie
Is It Time to Buy?
Is It Time to Buy?

If you know where you want to live, have a steady and secure income, and are ready for the responsibilities of homeownership, then it might be time to invest in a home.

Read “5 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing Your First Home” to learn more about determining if now is the right time to buy for you.

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Category: Home Buyers
Tag: Homebuyer Terms

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guthriegrouphomes

Libby Guthrie, Realtor
@ Keller Williams 865-966-5005
🏡 Helping You Make the Move to Knoxville
📱 Cell: 865-364-0200
🏡 Good People, Great Homes!

Online Estimate vs. Professional CMA: What's the R Online Estimate vs. Professional CMA: What's the Real Difference? 🏠
An automated valuation gives you a number. A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) gives you a strategy.
Here's what a professional CMA includes that algorithms can't provide:
👁️ Physical Inspection – I actually walk through your home and assess condition, updates, and appeal
📍 Micro-Local Expertise – Street-by-street knowledge that impacts value (premium locations, school zones, neighborhood trends)
📊 Adjusted Comparables – Not just recent sales, but analyzed and adjusted for YOUR home's specific features
💡 Market Intelligence – Current buyer demand, inventory levels, and pricing strategy for today's conditions
🎯 Strategic Positioning – How to price to attract the right buyers and maximize your return
The difference? An algorithm assumes your renovated kitchen is "average." A CMA quantifies it: "$15,000 premium for modern finishes vs. comparable with dated oak cabinets."
Your home deserves more than a number—it deserves a strategy. Learn why professional valuation still matters in our latest blog post.
[Link in Bio]
Libby Guthrie, REALTOR® 🏡
Cell: 865-364-0200
Keller Williams 865-966-5005
GGHKnoxville.com
Libby@GuthrieGroupHomes.com
#RealEstate #CMA #HomeValuation #RealEstateExpert #HomeSelling #PropertyValue #RealEstateTips
Planning to Buy a Home in 2026? Let's Get Your Fin Planning to Buy a Home in 2026? Let's Get Your Finances Ready!⁣
Starting your financial prep now gives you a huge advantage in the home buying process. Here's your 12-month timeline to get mortgage-ready:⁣
⁣
12 months out: ✅ Start saving for your down payment (aim for 10-20% of your target home price) ✅ Check your credit report and dispute any errors⁣
⁣
6-9 months out: ✅ Pay down existing debt to improve your debt-to-income ratio ✅ Avoid opening new credit accounts ✅ Build up your emergency fund (3-6 months of expenses)⁣
⁣
3-6 months out: ✅ Research lenders and mortgage options ✅ Gather financial documents (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements)⁣
⁣
1-3 months out: ✅ Get pre-approved for your mortgage ✅ Start house hunting with confidence!⁣
⁣
💡 Pro tip: Don't just save for the down payment! Remember to budget for closing costs (typically 2-5% of the home price), moving expenses, and immediate home needs.⁣
⁣
The key is consistency. Even setting aside $200-500 monthly can make a significant difference by 2026. Your future self will thank you for starting early!⁣
⁣
Call, text, or email us if you have questions about getting your finances in order.⁣
⁣
Libby Guthrie, REALTOR® 🏡⁣
Cell: 865-364-0200⁣
Keller Williams 865-966-5005⁣
GGHKnoxville.com⁣
Libby@GuthrieGroupHomes.com⁣
⁣
⁣
#RealEstate #HomeBuying #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #MortgageTips #FinancialPlanning #HomeBuyingTips #RealEstateAgent #PropertySearch #DreamHome #HomeOwnership
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Location
191 Sand Creek Rd #100,
Brentwood, CA 94513

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Office: (925) 628-2436

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