WHAT YOU SHOULD AND SHOULDN’T DO WHEN BUYING A HOME

It’s true. Buying a home is scary. Especially if you are a first-time homeowner. Where do you even begin? There are so many ins and outs, so many questions, concerns, and even confusion when trying to find your dream home. Your first bit of advice is this: do not believe everything you see on the internet.

Real estate agents have an astonishing way of casting the perfect light on a property through beautifully edited photos. In fact, this is probably one of those times in life where you should be a little bit pessimistic. Yes, that home looks amazing in the pictures listed online, but those pictures were perfectly curated to make that home look much larger and effortlessly flawless.

Instead, schedule that tour. Make sure you inspect, investigate and inquire about every little thing in that home. In fact, that is what your real estate agent is for. If you’re understandably worried about COVID, then rest assured because real estate agents have got you covered. From sanitizing the home, providing masks, gloves and disposable booties for your feet, you can easily peruse any home while knowing that several safeguards were implemented for your safety.

Another thing you should do is take the time to research. Make a budget for yourself. How much are you willing to pay? What are you willing to sacrifice? Write down the things that you absolutely must have, such as certain neighborhoods or school districts, and then write down the things you are willing to live without, such as a home with a porch or a game room.

Then you find your house. Now what? Bargain. Do some more research and determine what homes in that area were sold for previously. Do not be afraid to bargain with your agent, her job is to get you a home with a reasonable price. When it comes time to signing that contract and getting the keys to your dream home, read every sentence of that contract. DO NOT sign an “AS IS” contract. You have the right to inspect that home, and anything that does not meet local and regulatory standards should be expressed and fixed before you become liable on that home. And unfortunately, this responsibility is fully on you and not your agent.

Buying your dream home is a major accomplishment. Like any other accomplishment, it is one you want to be proud of. To be proud of your home and get your money’s worth, you inspect. And then you inspect some more. And after all that inspecting you hire a home inspector to go over all of the things you thought you inspected.

Topics: Real Estate, Property Investment, Property Ownership

Cite: David Blattner, https://www.realestatelawblog.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-buying-a-house-a-personal-experience/