Selection And Financing Tips For Your Next Home Purchase
When you buy a house as your personal residence, you have certain criteria and quality expectations for the property in order to make it the right fit for you and your family. In addition to looking for a specific number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and a carport or garage, you also want to look for the home's value and condition to be on par for the purchase. Here are some recommendations for you to use when you are next on the hunt to buy a home.
Look at the Home's Condition
When you first see a picture of a home on its online listing and when you first drive up its driveway you will see the condition of the home right away. The exterior of the home can be a good indicator of what the inside looks like, so pay attention to the condition of the landscaping and the pavement. Take into consideration small details so you get a full scope of the property's condition. It is possible for you to go back and visit the home a second time, but it can be easier if you take notice of it the first time.
When you get to tour through the property inside, take a minute to smell the inside and look for any odors that might indicate cigarette smoke, pets, sewage, or other bad odors you might encounter. These odors can be indicative of the home's condition and any problems, such as sewer back-ups or interior neglect with pet stains. Also listen for any traffic noise when you are inside the property, especially if it is located near a major freeway.
Check the condition of the lighting and plumbing fixtures along with the flooring, whether it is carpeting, vinyl, or hardwood planks. Take notice of its condition and if there are scratches, wear patterns, or tears in the flooring. Your real estate agent can act as a second set of senses to help you take notice of particular items.
Check Nearby Home Values
After you complete a visual inspection of the home, you and your realtor will likely want to complete an analysis of the home's value. Your realtor will use historical data on recent home sales in the area to make sure the price of the home is appropriate for the market. If, for example, other recent home sales with a market analysis are much lower than the home's list price, this is a sign the home is overpriced and you should offer a purchase price more in line with the market.
For more information or help finding a new home, contact a real estate agent today.