Abuja Home Buying
Tips To Know Prior To Buying A Home
Tips To Know Prior To Buying A Home
Abuja Real Estate City (http://www.abujarealestatecity.com)
This article is all about buying and selling in the Real Estate Sector. I wish to make some points known to the public about chosing to sell or buy properties. Read and enjoy the article.
Abuja Real Estate Agent
Nigeria Abuja Real Estate Agents (http://www.abujarealestatecity.com)
That house may seem like everything youve ever wanted, but before you make an offer, take some time to consider a few things beyond the size, style and price.
When buying a home, its easy to let emotions get in the way of reality, or get sudden amnesia about factors that may make a difference.
"Sometimes we want something so badly, were not willing to ask all the questions we should, says Leslie Levine, author of "Will This Place Ever Feel Like Home?"
For instance, she says, you may see a basketball hoop over the garage and assume the neighborhood is great for kids. But a closer inspection may show that its rusted and hasnt seen a ball in a decade, and that other yards in the neighborhood have no jungle gyms or tire swings out back.
1. Visit at various times of day
The windows that let in so much light during the day may be a peeping Toms dream at night. That seemingly quiet residential street may be a noisy, highway-feeder street during morning or evening rush hour; or it may be near impossible to get from your quiet street across traffic and onto the feeder street in the morning. The adjacent school may seem like a nice perk if youre buying in the summer, but during the school year, daily playground noise and extra traffic may be more than you bargained for.
2. Look through recent newspaper archives
Make sure youre getting information on what you cant see, Levine suggests. Perhaps the municipal water well that feeds your neighborhood has high levels of contaminants or a proposed high-voltage power line may soon be coming through your back yard. You can also check with the city or county to see if there are any proposed projects.
3. Talk to neighbors
How many people in the neighborhood own their homes? Sometimes its hard to tell at first if youre choosing a neighborhood thats primarily rental houses.
4. Ask if the neighborhood has an association
Is there a newsletter for it? How often does the neighborhood get together? Do they have a block party every year? Levine asks. Even if you dont plan to attend, the fact that theyre having a gathering says they care about their community, that they want to get to know each other, that theyre willing to socialize that way. People who behave that way are building a community. Theyre going to look out for your kids; theyre going to look out for your house. Its a nice, safe way to celebrate something.
5. Quiz the sellers
What problems are they aware of that the house had in the past even if theyve been fixed? An ice dam five years ago may have caused water damage that has since been repaired. But its good to know that the house may be prone to ice dams so you can take preventive measures rather than find out the hard way. Discovering the basement flooding was solved by building up the landscaping in a particular area will prevent you from leveling the ground there in later years.
6. Get a home inspection
Virtually all houses have defects, according to National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents. Some will be obvious and most will be curable. But knowing what needs fixing can help you negotiate a lower price or at least prepare you for costs youre soon to incur. Strongly consider getting inspections, too, for lead paint, radon and wood-eating pests.
7. Get detailed records on past improvements
This isnt always possible. But if youre told the houses exterior was painted two years ago and then see a receipt noting the whole project cost just $1,000 then youll be forewarned that cheaper materials were used and that you may be looking at repainting sooner than you thought.
8. Dont just assume remodeling will be a snap
If you voice your ideas to the sellers, you may be able to glean valuable insights. For instance, perhaps that shower is in an odd location because, when remodeling 10 years ago, the previous owners discovered a costly structural impediment to putting a shower where it would seem more appropriate.
9. Consider the view
So many neighborhoods now have teardowns. So look at the two houses on either side of you. If this neighborhood has had some teardowns, one of those houses might be a candidate. And they may build some behemoth structure that affects your light or the way your house looks or your view, Levine says.
10. Ask for utility bills
You may adore the Cape Cod architectural style or the high ceilings and walls of glass in a modern home but those winter heating and summer cooling bills may push your monthly payments beyond affordable. Ditto for the water bills youll pay to maintain a pristine landscape.
11. Pay close attention to taxes
Dont just ask what the sellers most recent tax bill was; ask what several recent tax bills have been. In some areas, houses are re-appraised and taxed at higher rates frequently. That great deal and good investment may not seem quite so grand if the property taxes skyrocket year after year. Again, look at newspaper archives or talk to your Realtor about the way taxes are used in this area. In some cities, schools are substantially funded through property taxes which means you can count on yours increasing regularly.
12. Check with city hall
NAEBA recommends looking into the propertys and neighborhoods zoning, as well as any potential easements, liens or other restrictions relating to your property. The seller should disclose these facts, but its better to be safe. If youre using a buyers agent, he or she should be able to help you with this.
13. Reconsider the bells and whistles:
Are you sure you can live with a one-car garage, or a detached garage, or on-street parking? The pool may be a nice bonus, but can you afford the upkeep?
14. Explore the surrounding area:
If youre not just making a cross-town move, you may not know that only three blocks away, this pretty neighborhood backs up to a dumpy commercial area or a less-than-savory part of town. If the home is near an airport, fire station, police station, hospital or railroad track, expect to hear trains, planes or ambulances throughout the day and night. Make sure youre not too close to an agricultural area that may generate odors or kick up dust or other airborne problems.
by: Chuks Mbams
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