So we are all well aware that looking to purchase a new home can bring with it a slew of emotions. But what we all nee to remember is that a house is perhaps the largest investment you’ll ever make, so using more of your head than your heart is probably a better method to go by. It’s easy though, especially when house-buying: you fall in love with a newly designed kitchen but fail to notice the issue with the basement. Or maybe there’s a big back yard for the kids to play in, but you don’t realize that most of it is susceptible to flooding.
These are the little things that you need to be on the lookout for. Now when it comes to CT homeowners insurance, well that’s a no-brainer: you need to simply stop by our office at 8 East Main Street! Anyway, back to our story. Below are some tips for home buyers (especially first-timers who are new to this game) to be on the lookout for when purchasing a new home.
Sellers say ‘they’ll get right on it and fix that’
Chances are, most homes need a little work done, unless you’re literally buying a new house. While sellers will often come across as willing to fix whatever needs to be fixed in order for the transaction to take place, that should give you an indication as to why they didn’t fix it prior to putting the home on the market. What are they not telling you?
Sellers are hesitant to show everything
Make sure that when you do find a house you like, visit it more than once, especially during different hours throughout the course of the day. For example, if a seller can only show the house during the day, maybe there’s an issue with the neighborhood at night. Be firm in your demands to see the home during the day, as well as the night time.
STICK TO YOUR BUDGET
This has to be rule number 1, first and foremost! Sure, that home you saw last week was gorgeous,but it was about $50,000 more than you’ve budgeted for (and more likely can’t afford). All we’re going to say is this: if you want the housing market of 2007-2008 to occur again, then by all means, max out. But if you’re like me and perhaps the rest of the country, you want a strong and stable housing market. So don’t be fooled into buying a home that you just cannot afford. And don’t for a second buy the “it’s value is certain to increase, so you’re actually getting it at a great price” saying… because chances are that ‘great price’ is still WAY over your budget.
Eh, the drive to work is a little long, but it’ll be fine
Two words: yea, right. Remember this key factor when looking at homes: how is the commute to the office? If it’s a bad one, then look elsewhere. I’m sure there’s another home that you’ll fall in love with that’s closer (or easier to commute) to your work. Sure it’s a nice house, but if you come home to it every night absolutely miserable because of the traffic, then what’s the point?