Property buying may be a major goal, but it can cause you a headache. This kind of purchasing is not rocket science, but it does require some research, so that you don’t end up losing money during a purchase. This list of tips should put you “in the know,” to become a smarter property buyer.
Have a professional appraisal and home inspection done before even considering purchasing a piece of real estate. If their is a home on the land, you will want to know about any problems or defects in the house ahead of time. This can save you lots of money and headaches down the road.
For sellers and especially buyers keep track of everything in writing. Yes, the main items will be written down but also keep a journal or log of everything from dates you took a home tour to buyer and seller feedback. Also, include your objectives, that way you have a clear idea of what you want, what you have done, and what you are going to do in the future.
Make sure you know who your real estate agent represents in a property purchase. It is legal in many cases for a realtor to represent both parties in a real estate purchase. This means you need to know exactly who is dealing with who, so you know whose interests are being protected in the deal.
Most people know they need to worry about carbon monoxide in their house. But did you know you should also test for radon? If you are buying a house, you should pay for a radon inspection. If the level is above 4, the seller should put in a radon mitigation system. As the buyer, you can require this mitigation as a condition of purchasing the house. Radon exposure can cause lung cancer, so it’s definitely worth getting under control before you buy a house.
Finding a seller that is motivated may help you save money. You may be able to get them to work with you to pay the closing costs that you need to finalize the purchase of the home. This process is called seller concessions or contributions. It can save you upwards of nine percent of the cost of the home.
A home that is classified as a fixer-upper is not necessarily a bad home to buy. You can get it at a great price and the investment of some money can make it into the home that you have dreamed of. It is recommended to take an experienced rehab contractor along with you to find those potentially expensive repairs that you may miss.
Plan on paying for private mortgage insurance if the down payment on your new home is less than twenty percent. The cost of your insurance will vary from person to person and location to location, but the average is $50 to $80 per month. You may be required to pay this amount until the equity you have in your home reaches the twenty percent threshold.
As you can see, there is a lot more to purchasing property than most people think. It requires a lot of work, research, patience and common sense, but it will be worth it in the end to get the property you want. By following the above tips, you are well on your way to buying smarter.
