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Parallels Between Home-Buying and Property Investing In Charleston Real Estate

Wednesday, November 02

Both home buyers and property investors have but one goal in mind:   to acquire that perfect property!  For the former it might be for sheer living purposes, while for the latter it is for profit.  And while there are millions of properties and houses to choose from in the housing market today, say, in Charleston real estate included, home buyers and investors alike should still take a hat of caution, as not all that which are being sold in the market are created equal.  And of course, there are considerations to take in for your home-buying process, and alas, a fitting property to call your own and/or invest in.

Here are some parallel information regarding the two endeavors, from which would-be home owners and upcoming investors alike should be mindful of when doing their plunge.

Both require huge sums of money to be claimed.  Owning a home and investing on a property are not quite ordinary purchases, such as appliances or even a car.  It entails a lot of finances from the one who intends to buy or engage in the business of property investing.  While saving up for it is highly advisable, there are lending institutions and many mortgage options to back up your dream home or soon-to-be rental property.  Both can think of possible resale in the future and should calculate other costs beside the down payment or deposit.  On the other hand, investors should estimate projected income alongside the selling price as against to overall expenses.

Location still and truly matters.  You know the mantra, “location, location, location.”  It still applies, and all the more should be considered in a market overdosed with seemingly good properties in seemingly ideal neighborhoods.  Learn as much about the community you would like to relocate to or invest in, say, in Charleston real estate perhaps.  Although agents are not required to give you substantial information on the demographics, crime statistics, you can now get these through some real estate listings or networks online.  Places with diverse residents, considerable number of populace, and low crime rate are what home buyers and property investors alike should target when home or property hunting.

Proximity to important amenities should also be checked.  Both persons should consider the presence of substantial transportation means – such as buses, railways or train stations, even airports.  Other vital facilities and/or establishments which should be looked into are hospitals, schools, even recreational or community centers.

Home inspection and maintenance are must-dos.  Both home buyers and property investors should ask sellers if the properties they are negotiating have undergone a thorough home inspection and if there are any major or even minor repairs needed to be done.  The maintenance task, on the other hand, carries a lot more weight on property investors, as their properties are exposed to more and different kinds of people – being their tenants.

These are common factors which home purchasers and property investors alike should look into during their home or property-buying, say, among Charleston homes for sale for example.  These are must-takes and not just options, that is, if you want to own that ideal home or investment property.

Do Your Own Inspection In Desired House

Sunday, July 24

Only three years ago, about 1.4 million homes in the US were sold without the necessary home inspection.  With the housing market overflowing with for sale properties, every residential buyer should be wiser and tougher when it comes to that stage of being assured that the home they’re going to buy is genuinely structurally well and liveable.  If you’re in that stage where you had already chosen a home to buy, say, among Charleston homes for sale for example, then bring along a flashlight, pen, and clipboard when you walk to that possible dream home of yours among listed in the market to date, maybe even one in Charleston real estate perhaps.  Needless to say, a home inspection should start from you, the very minute you go inside that house.  Here is an unofficial list of a DIY inspection checklist:

Observe gaps around doors and windows.  Uneven spaces can indicate shifting of the foundation.
Check the gutters.  Clear gutters can prevent water flooding in the basement and other areas inside the house.
Plants may increase curb appeal, but you need to check on branches that form a bridge that may lead to the attic, small animals like critters may come in.  Overgrown shrubs near the house encourage mildew to grow on siding, and can conceal human intruders.
Check if there are any cracked caulks.  The sealant around doors and windows is vital in keeping the water out.
Check for any electrical problem.  If there are spliced wiring outside electric boxes, it’s a sure sign that it has been done by an unskilled electrician.
See if there any pencil-thick tubes snaking along joists.  If termites spill out upon breaking the tube, advise the seller to have it checked, better yet, call an exterminator.
Inspect for foundation cracks.  Watch for cracks that are both horizontal and vertical, or ones that are growing.  Bigger cracks may mean trouble.
Check the toilet seats as well.  If it wobbles, it may lead to major water damage.  Flush the toilets and see if water escapes surrounding it.

These are just a few areas you need to check on when going inside that property you’re about to buy in Charleston real estate in South Carolina.  If you are displeased about the results, then you and the seller should negotiate and have a licensed home inspector do the job.  It’s better to be safe than being sorry later when you found all the problems only after you have made the purchase.

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Andreu Mecca

Virtual Assistant
Charleston, South Carolina


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