Tuesday, November 24, 2009
by Jason Harrell & Kevin Lee
What you should know Before Buying a Home
· Be sure to ask your realtor what fixes and furniture are being sold with the house.
· Try flushing the toilets when house shopping. Chugging drains and running water could be plumbing problems.
· Fixing a home's foundation can be one of the more expensive repairs, so be on the lookout for things like dampness in the basement.
· Buyers find their new home through an agent more than any other method.
· Homes in good condition are more likely to get close to their asking price.
· Three considerations when choosing a home are price, location and condition.
· New homes can cost about 20 percent more than existing homes.
· The average U.S. home appreciates 5 to 6 percent per year.
· A nice view can easily add value of a home, so make sure your home's view is not in danger of being obstructed by future construction.
· Most buyers view about nine homes before making a selection.
· Keep a measuring tape handy when touring potential homes to determine if your furnishings will fit.
· Sixty-eight percent of buyers rank neighborhood as the most important factor when choosing a home.
· Turn on all kitchen appliances to make sure they are in good working order.