For most people, the purchase of a new home is the biggest single purchase they’ll make in a lifetime. Spending that much money on something that important can be a stressful, scary and overwhelming experience. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to make buying real estate easier. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Although it is a cliche, it helps to remember that all real estate is local. Just because USA Today says that real estate prices have declined for two straight years doesn’t mean that now is a good time to sell or buy! Talk to a local real estate agent to get the feel of local conditions.
Before buying a house always have a professional come and look it over. They will be able to check for any problems that you might not notice, such as foundation issues, siding or wall cracks, basement leaks, or hazardous materials like asbestos. This will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Before buying a property, make sure you walk through the home a few times. This will help you to really get a feel for it. Nowadays, due to the internet and ‘virtual tours’, people are tempted to make an offer, simply by what they see on a realtor’s website. This is a big mistake, as you only get to see the positive aspects of the home.
To avoid bad surprises, find out everything you can about a neighborhood before you move in. Find out what kind of people lives there, and ask yourself if you could fit with them. Learn as much as possible about the school your children will be attending. Research the crime rate and how much city taxes you will have to pay.
To avoid costly upgrades, pay attention to the heating or plumbing when visiting a house. Look at the ceilings and floors to detect any leaks. Ask the owners to turn the heat on so you can see if the furnace functions well. If anything looks old, prepare yourself for replacing it.
To avoid committing to more than you can handle, it is advisable to have an appraiser take a look at any properties you intend to purchase, especially fixer-uppers or foreclosed homes. This can save you from purchasing a house that has non-visible damage, such as a problematic foundation or a HVAC system that requires replacing.
When considering an older home, for yourself or as an investment, you can save a lot of time and money, by asking your favorite contractor to tag along. Your contractor can give you a rough estimate to help you determine any upgrade and repair costs, which can then help you to negotiate a buying price. This gives you the best chance of staying within your budget.
Remember to examine the commute times that will be involved in the purchase of a particular piece of real estate. How long does it take to get from the home to work? What about going from the house to schools? What about shopping? A house that is priced low but guarantees hours of commuting time may not be the bargain it appears at first glance.
Before you put in an offer on a home, ask the owner to provide you with a copy of their latest utility bills. Knowing what the mortgage will cost each month is obviously important, but it is also crucial that you have an idea of what else you will be paying each month. You need to know that you can afford the property before you purchase it.
A home’s square footage will be listed in a variety of documents. You can ask the homeowner to see documentation verifying square footage or bring a tape measure to measure rooms yourself to verify a home’s size. Be certain that the square footage noted on public records and that listed by the owner are the same. The difference between these two figures should be no more than 100 square feet; if it is more than that, either rethink your purchase, or find out the reason.
If you have an inspector view a home and he tries to tell you that the roof is in great condition while he is still standing on the ground, you should ask for a second inspection. There may be some issues that will not be seen unless they are viewed from above.
Make sure to get an opinion from a home inspector that you trust before you buy a home. Some real estate agents have home inspectors that they work with on a regular basis. The inspector may be able to be bribed into saying the home is in better condition than it truly is.
If your future rental has a community pool, make sure to discuss with your future landlord the rules and regulations. Some pools don’t allow swimmers after a particular hour and some require a down payment for a key. Be fully aware of all of these rules before agreeing to anything.
Purchasing a home in a good school district is beneficial to you for a few reasons. Not only will your children end up receiving a good education, but your home will be more desirable to families and ultimately appreciate in value. If you ever plan on selling your home, a good school district is a big draw.
Consider using a buying agent. Estate agents always act in the interest of the seller, because the more money they get for a property, the higher their commission payment. A buying agent can act on your behalf and make sure that you acquire your dream property for the cheapest possible price.
It’s easy to feel stressed out by the home-buying experience. However, if you keep these tips in mind, your eventual purchase should go a little bit smoother. Don’t let the burdens of shopping for real estate get you down. You’ve got some great advice to guide you along the way, and soon, you’ll be in your new home!
