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Ask The
Right Questions
Don't be dazzled by a home's nice decor or pretty furnishings. Ask the
serious questions that give you a true picture.
On your first visit, you'll probably spend 30 minutes checking out
the floor plan, kitchen and baths, whether there is a garage and how
big the back yard might be. If this looks like the home for you, get
out your list of questions and start making notes.
Have your agent ask for a Property Condition Report. This should
provide you with basic information on the home's mechanicals, their
age and whether the home owner has listed any repairs or defects.
Find out if there has been an inspection. If so, see if the home
owner will provide you with a copy of the report. It is important to
know whether you will need to make any major improvements or
replacements to the furnace, central air, roof or electrical
systems. These can be costly and a home's price should reflect the
condition of such structural elements.
With this information in hand, take a second tour and include the
entire neighborhood. Are there appropriate services and amenities
nearby? If you have children, how close are the schools? Will you be
driving to work or using public transportation? What about
restaurants, parks or libraries? You will be occupying more than the
house. You'll be living in the neighborhood, so be sure it has the
necessary elements for your comfort, safety and convenience.
Once you've arrived for your follow up visit, pay close attention to
the less obvious things such as how the home is sited on the
property, the condition of surrounding homes and the home's general
appearance. Take note of outstanding architectural features and
landscaping that will add value.
Once inside, get down to the nitty-gritty and check out the plumbing
by opening cabinet doors. Look into the utility areas of the home.
Are there signs of deterioration around the pipes? Take a paper
towel and check for moisture, a sign of a leaking pipe. What do the
furnace and water heater look like? There are usually stickers that
indicate installation and inspection dates. Find the electrical box
and see if it appears to be up to code.
Ask your agent how long the home has been on the market and if there
is any indication of why the current owners are selling. If
possible, talk to the neighbors. They may be able to provide you
with additional information on the neighborhood, even the house you
are considering purchasing.
Now that you have a more complete picture, it is time to negotiate.
Remember, you want this to be a win-win situation, so be reasonable
and listen to your agent's guidance.
Copyright 2006 PropertySource Network |
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Jeannie Hamilton
ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, GRI, SRES
Broker/Owner
Hamilton Properties
1100 Deer Trail Road
Boulder, CO 80302-9437
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Office: |
303-443-9221 |
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Cell: |
303-817-9988 |
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Fax: |
888-449-3611 |
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Toll Free: |
800-443-9212 |
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Email: |
jeannie@jeannierealtor.com |
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Email
webmaster@jeannierealtor.com with
questions or comments about this website.
Copyright © 2012 Jeannie Hamilton, Inc
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Last Updated:
January 24, 2012
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