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Home Buyer's Tips

11. How can I learn about property taxes? Arrows Real Estate will help you, again. The total amount of the previous year's property taxes should be in the listing information. If it's not, ask the seller, or  contact the local tax assessor's office. Tax rates can change from year to year, so these figures may be approximate. 12. Which is better:  an older home or a new home? You will decide about this as Arrows Real Estate helps you.  There are home that are 50 years old and older, 2 to 3 years, and then there is a new home.  Some people think a home 5 years old is old.  Some people think a home that is 10 years old is practically new.  There isn't a definitive answer to this question.  You will look at each home for its individual characteristics. Generally, much older homes may be in more established neighborhoods, and offer more ambiance. People who buy older homes, however, shouldn't mind maintaining their home and making some repairs. Newer homes tend to use more modern architecture and systems, are usually easier to maintain, and may be more energy-efficient. People who buy new homes often don't want to worry initially about upkeep and repairs. 13. What am I looking for when I am looking at a home and walking about the property? In addition to comparing the home to your minimum requirement and wish lists, use our Arrows Real Estate and consider the following: Is there enough room for both the present and the future? Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms? Is the house structurally sound? Do the mechanical systems and appliances work? Is the yard big enough? Do you like the floor plan? Will your furniture fit in the space? (or do you have enough furniture for this home?) (Is there enough storage space? (You might take a tape measure along if you think you would like to measure a particular space.) Does anything need to repaired or replaced? Will the seller repair or replace the items? Imagine the house in good weather and bad, and in each season. Will you be happy with it all year around? Take your time and think carefully about each house you see. Ask your real estate agent to point out the pros and cons of each home from a professional standpoint. Using the HUD Home Scorecard to keep track of the homes you see is a great way to keep organized. (Refer to the HUD Home Scorecard). 14. What are some good questions to ask when I am looking at homes? Here is a question that is often asked, if the home is occupied:  Where are these people moving?  You do not care, really.  It is just a way of being polite.  Mostly, you want to see if you like the home.  The structural and mechanical details can be answered later.   But, you can ask about the condition of the home.  Many of your questions may focus on potential problems and maintenance issues. If the home is new, ask about warranties.  Or, if old, does anything need to be replaced? What things require ongoing maintenance (e.g., paint, roof, HVAC, appliances, carpet)? Also ask about the house and neighborhood, focusing on quality of life issues. Be sure the seller's or real estate agent's answers are clear and complete. Ask questions until you understand all of the information they've given. Making a list of questions ahead of time will help you organize your thoughts and arrange all of the information you receive. The HUD Home Scorecard can help you develop your question list. 15. How can I remember the details and keep track of every home I see? Arrows Real Estate will help you here.  We will give you some information on this.   16. How many homes should I see before choosing one? Arrows Real Estate will help you here.  You simply must develop a sense of your own preferences, in an interesting and fun way.  Some people never develop a sense about a home.  (which is all right, for them, but Arrows Real Estate is here to help you enjoy buying a home and enjoying your home, whether it be a tiny little place or a veritable palace.) There isn't a set number of houses you should see before you decide. Visit as many as it takes to find the one you want. On average, homebuyers see 15 houses before choosing one. Just be sure to communicate often with your real estate agent about everything you're looking for. It will help avoid wasting your time. 17. What exactly is involved in the Home inspection? and does it affect the price of the property? The home inspector checks the safety of your potential home. Mechanical and Structural:  those are the two parts of the inspection.  and, then, in some states, the termite inspection is important, where termites are commonly known.  Home Inspectors focus especially on the structure, construction, and mechanical systems of the house and will make you aware of only repairs, that are needed. The Inspector does not evaluate whether or not you're getting good value for your money. Generally, an inspector checks (and often gives estimates for prices for repairs): the electrical system, plumbing and waste disposal, the water heater, insulation and ventilation, the HVAC system, water source and quality, possibly the potential presence of pests, the foundation, doors, windows, ceilings, walls, floors, and roof. Be sure to hire a home inspector that is qualified and experienced. Arrows Real Estate will help you here, too. In some states, the inspection is done before you make a written offer.  In other states, it is completed after the contract is signed and in the title company.  Once the deal is closed, you've bought the house.  If it is done after the offer, you will include an inspection clause in the offer when negotiating for a home. An inspection clause gives you an "out" on buying the house if serious problems are found, or gives you the ability to renegotiate the purchase price if repairs are needed. An inspection clause can also specify that the seller must fix  the problems before you close on the purchase of the house or  escrow money to you for the closing. 18. Do I need to be there for the inspection? It's not required, but it's a good idea. Following the inspection, the home inspector will be able to answer questions about the report and any problem areas. This is also an opportunity to hear the inspector's opinion on the home you'd I like to purchase and it is a good time to ask general, maintenance questions. 1 2 -3- 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Previous page       Go to next page