1. STEP THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS. Try and envision where you might be in 5-7 years. When buying a home you must consider your future plans, especially with the current economy. Today, buying with the intent of moving up in a few years may not be as easy as past real estate markets. You will want to make sure the home you purchase has several high end resale features. Don’t pick the home without the garage, the home that is on the worst lot in the neighborhood, the home that looks out on a busy street. You must always be thinking resale when you are making your home selection.
2. DON’T TURN A BLIND EYE. Is that a freeway close by? Do you hear all those dogs? Is the home in an area where it floods seasonally?
3. CHECK OUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD. You can check crime statistics. Are there more rentals than homes owner occupied? I always recommend my buyers drive through the area at different times of the day. What’s it like during normal commute times? What goes on Saturday or Sunday morning?
4. SCHOOL DISTRICTS. Do you have a specific district you want to be in? Have you compared districts?
5. HOW OLD DO YOU WANT TO GO. I have sold more new construction homes than resales. I live in a home that was built in 1941, I have also owned homes that were new. Older homes might have issues with wiring, plumbing and insulation. New construction homes are not free of issues, is the construction of quality or is the builder cutting corners?
This list could have been 51 Things to consider when looking at homes. These are just some items that I have used during my own home searches. Even as a real estate professional I have made some home buying mistakes in the past which I enjoy passing on so my buyers don’t make the same mistake.
CONTACT A BUYER’S AGENT – FREE – NO OBLIGATION
Jo Soss / jo@homefrontrealtyonline.com / 360-990-1433
Please tell me about your requirements (price, size, location, condition, features), moving plans, and availability to tour properties.
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