How to Avoid Homebuying Horrors
The home buying process can be stressful on everyone involved, and there are many things that can go wrong, costing you more money. Here are some of the best ways to avoid running into the many potential problems you may face, and how to avoid home buying horrors.
Visit the Neighborhood
on Foot
Obviously, no seller will disclose any stories about a neighbor from
hell, problems with other homes on the street, or crime that takes place in the
area. They may not even tell you about
problems with their own home – such as disclosing that there has been a death
on the property. Why? Because they want you to buy their home! So, when you are doing your home inspection,
try having someone you know talk to your potential new neighbors and find out
if they have seen any repair trucks at the home you are interested in, and try
to get a feel for the area – such as finding out if it is safe, or
kid-friendly? To avoid this, make sure you work with a real estate agent who is
familiar with the neighborhood so that he or she can steer you in the right
direction and avoid any surprises after closing!
Visit City Hall
Take a trip down to City Hall and find out if there are any new developments being planned. If so, new development may increase property values, but it can also increase traffic. Find out how many owners have applied for minor variances, to either build homes or additions that are larger than the by-law permits. This will give you an indication of the future direction of this neighborhood – do people want to build and stay or go?
Tell Them
What You Expect to Get in Your Offer
You know that old saying – the devil is in the details. Having said that, there is no such thing as
too much detail. Outline in clear
language everything you expect to receive on closing, including window
coverings, drapes, mirror, closet organizers, TV brackets, garage door openers,
and even 2 sets of keys and FOBs in a condo.
If the seller wants to take their favorite chandelier with them, make
sure they install a cheaper fixture before closing so that you’re not left in
the dark on moving day!
As you now know, there are a lot of things that can go wrong in the home buying
process. Buying or selling a home is a
very stressful time, but if you have the right professionals by your side to
guide you in the right direction, you’d be surprised how easy it can all
feel! By following these steps, you can
avoid horrors after closing. If you
found this article helpful, please feel free to pass it along to any family or
friends whom you think may benefit from these tips.