| Tips on Buying...
Buying a home is a big decision.
First you will want to define your needs, tastes and preferences for your
new home. By discussing this now, you'll save plenty of time during the
house-hunting process.
- What
style of house you would like? Such as Two-story, Contemporary,
Ranch or some other style.
- What features would you like? Such as a two- or three-car
garage, gourmet kitchen, a family room or a formal dining room.
- Think about your lifestyle. If you
don't like yard work, ask your sales professional to show you condominiums,
townhouses or garden homes with smaller yards.
You can email your description to one
of Our Agents.
A neighborhood and area that fits your needs is also
a very important factor when choosing a home.
- What
are your needs in a Community? Does the Community offer Services
for Senior Citizens? What types of schooling do the communities offer?
- Drive through and around the neighborhood. Value
is enhanced by other well-maintained properties. Conversely, be cautious
of areas with unkempt yards and homes, and businesses mixed in with
residences -- unless a home/office combination is a priority.
- Ask your sales professional about the property tax assessment in the area, including any special assessments or any pending bond issues.
- Pay attention to neighborhood zoning. Many residential communities are zoned to keep out commercial and industrial users. Ask about other regulations in the neighborhood, such as on-street parking. Find out if the area is governed by any covenants.
- List which community services are important to you. Do you need to be close to shopping, a school or a mass transit stop?
- Get an idea of who lives in the neighborhood by talking with people who live there.
Use our Community Info and our School Info services to help you learn more about a neighborhood.
Your new house has to feel right -- but emotions aside, it has to work right, too.
- Bring in a professional building inspector or appraiser to make sure the house is in sound condition. Use his or her report to make informed decisions. Ask DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES to help you with these services.
- Ask your DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES agent about any Home Warranties.
- Decide which imperfections you can live with and repairs you may be able to make yourself. You may also be able to finance some repairs in your mortgage.
Contact an Agent now! |
