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Check Out The Neighbors!
You'd be amazed at the amount of information you can get by paying a visit to your potential new neighbors. Go and knock on doors and introduce yourself. Politely tell them you're thinking of buying the house next door. You're interested in their opinion of the neighborhood residences.
Then ask a simple open-ended question like "I was wondering what the traffic is like around here..." or, "what do you like best about the neighborhood?"
The vast majority of people are more than happy to have a brief chat with you on their front step. Plus, if you do buy the property, you've saved yourself the introductions already.
Go back to the property at least twice
The more trips you make, the more things you'll notice that you didn't notice the first time. Go back to the same subject property and make sure it feels the same. Sometimes a difference of one day can make a difference in how you feel about the property.
Ideally you should visit the property in the morning and the evening.
Look for potential to improve value
Most of us are easily influenced and are swayed by first impressions. It often pays to put aside your preconceived notions about the perfect house, and focus more about where you could make slight changes to improve the overall property appearance.
Sometimes just a fresh paint job can improve a home alot.
The secret is that because you are one of the few who spotted the potential, once the work is completed you have all of us others who now think the cute bungalow is superb. That should pay you back handsomely for your imagination.
Ask Ida Hand, Realtor lots of questions
It's in your interest to ask me as much as you can. Sometimes the reply will be that "I don't know" or "I'll have to check that out for you".... Rest assured that's what I'll do.
It's not realistic to assume that every agent will have a comprehensive knowledge of every property. There are thousands of properties in the MLS. A question I frequently get asked is, "How do they justify this asking price". So, to help buyers understand local values, I can provide you with a list of recent sales prices in the area.
Protect Your Investment- Get a Home Inspection
The contract you sign with the seller will allow you 5 days from the date of acceptance to have several different types of inspections including: home, Radon, mold, termite, & lead based paint. You may wish to have only one or all of these tests done, but at the very least I strongly urge you to have a home inspection .
Even if you are buying a new construction home, there could be deficiencies that the builder missed. The average cost is usually between $275-$350 depending on the size of the home and is due upon completion of the inspection. I can also recommend several Licensed Inspectors that are excellent.
Location Is Still Key
Another cliché... location, location, location. But, it's true!
Remember that better locations may lead to more demand from buyers. This in turn means that property prices may be generally higher, but those properties may be easier to sell when you need to.
Location is the one property variable that can never be changed so it's deservedly at the top of the list.
Input a house payment you're comfortable with to learn how much you might qualify for.
Hire an Attorney!
The purchase of your home is probably the single largest financial commitment of your life. It is extremely important that you have are represented by an attorney in order to protect this investment. Your attorney will negotiate any changes made on the contract, any problems from the inspection report, record the deed to your property, as well as many other services.
The average attorney fees range between $300-$400 and is due at closing. Greg Schley is an excellent Real Estate Attorney that I would highly recommend. I'd be happy to put you in touch with him.
My Service Is Free
As a buyer, are you aware that it costs you NOTHING to hire a Realtor?
All fees due to a Real Estate Agent come directly from the Seller of the property! It doesn't matter how many homes you wish to see, I don't work "by the hour", I only get paid after the closing takes place. So instead of driving around, wasting time & gas, call me! With your specifications, I can be sure to find the perfect house for you at the right price!
