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| Tips for Buyers |
A home purchase represents a monumental investment for most people. Use these tips to help you make an informed decision, and make your money work as hard for you as we will!
*If you have to resell soon, don't buy an unusual home. Your agent can research time on market for similar properties in the same area in which you are looking to purchase.
*Whether or not you have school-aged children living with you, the quality of a school district in your area can have a dramatic effect on home values.
*While newer homes may offer lower maintenance costs, ask to see records or receipts of any repair work or recent replacements. If you are buying a brand new home, research the builder's reputation and see how some of his or her other homes have appreciated or depreciated since completion.
*Never tell a seller's broker how much you'll raise your offer for a particular house. It is his or her job to get the highest price possible for the property, and you will have eliminated any bargaining power you may have had. Wear your poker face when attending open houses hosted by seller's agents.
*When interest rates are low opt for a fixed mortgage. Your payment will only fluctate to reflect changing insurance costs and property taxes.
*Pay attention to floor plans. Changing layouts of rooms later, can be costly. Make sure the home is functionally appropriate for all your regular activities.
*You can deduct on the tax return of the purchase year points paid by either party on the purchase of your own residence.
*If the present owner has a title insurance policy less than 3 years old, you could realize substantial savings by purchasing a reissue of that policy rather than a completely new one. Ask your real estate attorney for more information.
*Pay attention to the original listing date of the homes you inspect. Sellers tend to be more flexible in the price the longer the home is on the market. Your New Age Realtor will research true days on market to give you an accurate picture of how long a home has been for sale.
* A house that is sited to take advantage of the sun, the wind and the typography may cost less to heat and cool, and can save thousands of dollars over the years in utility bills. Well-placed trees and shrubs can help your house take advantage of seasonal temperature changes, too.
*If you think you may need more space in the near future, be sure the house and lot will allow for expansion. Check with your city's planning and zoning departments to make sure you will have adequate room for any future additions.
*Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive areas to update and remodel. Be confident you can afford such projects after your purchase, or that you can be comfortable living with what is present until you are willing to take on the work and expense of the upgrades.
*Closely inspect your prospective new home's foundation for obvious or potential repair issues. Although most foundation problems can be corrected, repair work is usually expensive, and can lead to more damage to the rest of the house while in progress (plaster cracks in walls and ceilings, windows and doors loosening from their frames).
*Inspect closely for water or moisture issues in homes that could lead to mildew and mold, and health hazards related to them. Basements and attics are likely places for such issues to reveal themselves.
*A roof that complements the style of a home and is carefully maintained adds to the home's visual appeal and its resale value. A typical roof's lifespan is 15 to 20 years, depending on quality of materials used and amounts of moisture and sun to which it is exposed. Different areas of the same roof don't always weather the same. The time of year a roof is replaced can also affect it's lifespan-warm weather replacements are more effective.
*A light-colored roof reflects heat and is best in areas where air-conditioning is the greater energy user. In colder weather climates, a dark roof is preferable because it absorbs more heat. In temperate climates, a middle-range shade is best.
*The exterior material of a home can signal potential maintenance issues. Wood siding needs to be sealed or painted. Brick may need to be re-pointed with new mortar. Asbestos siding needs to be professionally mitigated when replaced. Vinyl siding may crack or chip with trauma, and aluminum can be dented. Stucco may need to be patched, and the texture matched for a seamless appearance.
*Wood floors suggest warmth, quality and good taste and are an asset when it comes time to sell a house. Laminate flooring varies greatly in quality, and evidence of improper installation is obvious to spot. Many brands of carpeting are now very stain and moisture resistant. When ceramic tiles are cracked or chipped, they need to be removed, replaced and re-grouted. If rolled vinyl is torn or cut, the whole piece-no matter how big-may need to be replaced.
*Obtaining inspections prior to closing on your home purchase can reveal otherwise hidden defects that may influence your decision to complete the purchase. Inspecting at this time can create additional negotiating opportunities to have the seller's pay for repairs or accept a lower price for the home. Inspecting after the transaction has closed means any repairs are now your responsibility.
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