finding a property

Are you ready to get started?! Once you've determined that you are ready to purchase a home, there are few things as exciting as searching for just the right property to call your own.

Remember, shopping for a home is a process that, whenever possible, should not be rushed. Make sure that you perform adequate research on the area, neighborhoods and the homes available on the market before you buy. 

You should do your best to look carefully and, whenever possible, try not to let your emotions make your final decision

An open house can be an opportunity for you to get information about homes and the housing market. Open houses are a common real estate practice because they give an agent the opportunity to market the home and to meet prospective buyers.

Here are some questions you may want to ask:

• Are you the listing agent for this house? Busy agents sometimes arrange for a colleague or assistant to conduct the open house. Don’t assume the person showing the home is knowledgeable about the house or has met the sellers.

• How long has the home been on the market? Well-priced homes in good condition generally sell in a short period of time. Unless the local market is weak, you will want to know why a particular home is not selling. 

• Are there hidden defects? Is it overpriced? 

• Are the sellers requiring something that may seem unreasonable as a condition of the sale?

• Have the sellers received any offers? If the sellers rejected offers that were too low or had contingencies or conditions, you should find out before you experience the same.

• Is any furniture or fixturing being sold with the house? If you’re thinking of buying the home, there is no better time to ask whether the seller would be interested in including the patio furniture or the dining room chandelier.

• Are there any special costs attached to the property? 

• Is there a homeowner’s association that has dues or fees? 

• Are there particular tax assessments? 

• Are there any natural hazard issues to be aware of? 

• Are there any hidden costs of owning the home?

• How does this house compare to others on this street? The local agent may be able to speak about recent sales in the neighborhood as well as some interior ideas seen in other homes.

When searching for a home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with information and to forget the details of each particular home you’ve viewed - that’s why I’ve created this list to help you keep track of all the information you need to help you in this important decision

When you view a home, keep in mind this checklist:

Space Considerations:

• Evaluate if the home accommodates both current and future needs.
• Assess the number of bedrooms and bathrooms

Structural Integrity:

• Ensure the house is structurally sound.
• Verify the functionality of mechanical systems and appliances.

Outdoor Space:

• Examine the size of the yard and its suitability for your needs.

Interior Features:

• Assess your liking for the floor plan.
• Confirm if your furniture fits and if there is adequate storage space (consider using a tape measure).

• Repairs and Maintenance:
• Identify any necessary repairs or replacements.
• Inquire about the seller's willingness to address these issues.

Weather Considerations:

• Imagine living in the house in different weather conditions and seasons.

Agent Guidance:

• Seek professional advice from your real estate agent regarding pros and cons.
• Take your time to carefully think about each property.

Communication:

• Regularly communicate your preferences with your agent to streamline the search.

Documentation:

• Take detailed notes, pictures, or videos during the viewing.
• Obtain permission before photographing or recording, respecting the owner's privacy.

Reserved Opinions:

• If the owner or agent is present, avoid revealing too much about your preferences.

Ongoing Maintenance:

• Identify items requiring continuous maintenance (e.g., paint, roof, HVAC systems, appliances, carpet).

Neighborhood Assessment:

• Evaluate the neighborhood and its impact on your quality of life.

Style and Conformity:

• Check if the home's style, features, and amenities align with the neighborhood.

Systems Evaluation:

• Investigate potential issues with electrical and mechanical systems.

Structural and Foundation Integrity:

• Examine the home for any signs of structural, drainage, or foundation problems.