The town of Newton, North Carolina, is just northwest of Charlotte, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This charming town provides residents with various community-oriented neighborhoods, restaurants, shopping, local businesses, and ample outdoor recreation. Quality of life is enhanced through natural beauty and comprehensive programs of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. There are five parks, recreation centers, a community pool, and a fitness center for community use.

Residents enjoy ample outdoor recreation with parks like Jacob Fork Park, a 100-acre park with a canoe launch. In addition to sporting fields with concessions and bleachers, there’s an open-air amphitheater, hiking trails, picnic shelters, and playgrounds. In addition to the recreation opportunities, the community holds significant events year-round, like the Soldiers Reunion Parade. It’s easy to see why so many love calling Newton home with all the opportunities provided to residents.

Newton real estate is no exception to the abundance found in this town. Newton offers various real estate options, from custom-designed country estates on acreages to charming ranches and bungalows. There are modern subdivisions with new construction featuring luxury upgrades like energy-saving systems, custom landscaping and interiors, and multi-car garages.

Purchasing real estate can be stressful, but with some help from the experts at the Joan Killian Everett Company, it doesn’t have to be that way. We’ve created a home-buying guide to help answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Teaming up with an expert real estate agent will significantly assist your journey. You want an expert who can navigate this process and have your best interests at heart. This will include helping you find the best neighborhood and a home that suits your needs. Your agent will help you create competitive offers, negotiate contracts, and protect your interests. A good agent should know your region well, including specific neighborhood features and market trends.

Finding a Newton real estate agent is simple. Ask family and friends for references and referrals, look online for local agents, and check reviews to understand recent clients’ opinions. Once you have a selection to choose from, schedule face-to-face meetings and ensure you have your questions prepared.

These questions should include how long they’ve been an agent, how long they’ve worked in the area, how many homes they have sold recently, and their average sold price. Their answers will give you an understanding of their experience and expertise and help determine whether they’re a good fit. It will also provide insight into whether they’re effective and trustworthy communicators. You want to work with someone who will always protect your best interests. Your real estate agent will be your biggest asset throughout this process, so finding the right one is vital.

Before you begin your home search, figuring out your needs is essential. Ask yourself why you are purchasing a home. Do you intend to stay in this home for the next five to ten years? Will this be a second home or vacation property? A short-term spot during this career phase? These questions will allow you to determine where you would ideally like to be located and how spacious of a home you require.

For example, if you plan to stay in this home for many years and potentially raise a family, you’ll want more space and an excellent school district. If it’s short-term, for a job, or simply deciding whether the location fits, you might consider luxury condominiums with amenities and less maintenance. Determine your specific needs, goals, and what is on your “must have” list, and then go from there.

Once you’ve accomplished that, you’ll want to begin securing your finances. Think about how much you’d like to spend monthly on your mortgage, and don’t forget to factor in homeowner’s association fees, insurance, and other monthly costs. Your best option is to speak with a lender directly and obtain pre-approval to determine your purchasing power.

Not only will a pre-approval give you an understanding of what you can afford, but it will also tell the seller that you are serious and have the means to purchase. If you intend to pay cash for your home, this is not as significant, but you should still consider the monthly fees and have a financial plan for your future.

Once you know your target price range, set aside money for down payments and closing costs. Your down payment will vary based on the purchase price, but as a general guide, the more money you put down, the lower your monthly obligations become. Currently, closing costs range from 3% to 6% of the purchase price. From this point, you can go on to find the perfect neighborhood.

An excellent first step is finding the perfect neighborhood for you. Newton is a city that offers tremendous growth and housing options for residents. Whether you’re searching for a custom estate on an expanse of land or want a modern home amid the community, you’ll find it here.

At this point, you should be ready to begin searching for your perfect home. This is where you’ll have a chance to control the process more. Most homebuyers start the process online. With the help of your Newton real estate agent, you’ll have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

This centralized database makes your search more convenient, allowing you to access information from various realtors in one location. Your agent will help connect you with properties that fit your preferences and desired price range. Once you’ve found the perfect property, they will handle the negotiations, keeping your best interests in mind. They will guide you through every step, from inspections to the closing table.

Contact the Joan Killian Everett Company today if you’re ready to begin looking into Newton real estate. With extensive experience and a track record of being the top seller in Catawba County, they have the expertise that gets results every time.