What Should You Do Before Buying A Home
You might have found your dream home, but do you have all of the information you need before making this huge decision? According to an article on realtor.com, “It’s easy to let emotions get in the way of reality, or get sudden amnesia about factors that may make a difference.”
Most people don’t know what questions to ask before buying a home. Beyond size, style, and price, there are other factors you should keep in mind.
Before making an offer, here are 14 additional things to consider as reported by Diane Benson Harrington on realtor.com. What to know before buying a home will help you reach a place that tells you that you’ve made the right decision.
1. Visit at various times of day
Noise and activity can vary from morning to night. Be sure to check out the house and area at different times throughout the day. You might like it in the afternoon, but not at night.
2. Look through recent newspaper archives
Find out if there are any proposed projects in the neighborhood or that could be going right through your backyard.
3. Talk to neighbors
Do most people own their home or rent? This could be a good indication as to how people will treat the property. According to an article on about.com, it’s good to talk to neighbors to see if you’ll be compatible.
4. Ask if the neighborhood has an association
If they do, ask what activities they plan.
5. Quiz the sellers
Ask them what problems the house has had in the past even though they’ve probably been fixed. This can prevent you from doing certain renovations in the future. The article goes on to state, “Discovering the basement flooding was solved by building up the landscaping in a particular area will prevent you from leveling the ground there in later years.”
6. Get a home inspection
Knowing if anything needs fixing can help you get a lower price for the house or prepare you for future expenses.
7. Get detailed records on past improvements
This isn’t always possible, but can help with updates in the future.
8. Don’t just assume remodeling will be a snap
Talk to the sellers about some of your ideas. They might give you some helpful insight.
9. Consider the view
Are empty lots around the house that could soon have huge houses in them, changing your view?
10. Ask for utility bills
You might love some features of the home, but will they cause you to pay higher utility bills?
11. Pay close attention to taxes
In some areas, houses are re-appraised and taxed at higher rates. The deal you think you’re getting might not be so great if the property taxes keep getting higher and higher every year.
12. Check with city hall
Find out more about the property. The article goes on to state, “NAEBA recommends looking into the property’s and neighborhood’s zoning, as well as any potential easements, liens or other restrictions relating to your property. The seller should disclose these facts, but it’s better to be safe. If you’re using a buyer’s agent, he or she should be able to help you with this.”
13. Reconsider the bells and whistles
Are you sure you can live with no garage? Do you want to take care of a pool or the cost to have it removed?
14. Explore the surrounding area
Can you live by loud train tracks or a stinky farm? Do you want to be able to walk to restaurants and shops? According to an article on realestate.msn.com, a great neighborhood is all about where, who, and what elements are in them.
Be sure to read real estate buying tips.
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