FIRST POST OF 2011
HOUSE HUNTING 101
What if any House Hunting tips do you have?
We are going to buy-(Lord Willing), soon, and it is daunting to say the least in looking at and deciding on what will probably be our RETIREMENT HOME!!!
You get to drive a New Car--and Boy, that 8 minute drive the dealer let's you take really tells you a lot about a major purchade right??? LOL.
Well, in buying a House there are so many things to consider besides the OBVIOUS!
WHY DON'T YOU GET TO SPEND A FEW NIGHTS IN THE BIGGEST PURCHASE YOU WILL EVER MAKE, TO TRY OUT SOME SIMPLE THINGS?
Like the Flush & Scream Factor: When I flush in the New House- will she scream in the shower because all the hot water cuts off???
Traffic patterns.....we know when and where to go after 10 years here and 30 in this town. How about the new place?
NOISE FACTOR--PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES....---I'M JUST SAYIN'!
CAN I WATCH AN ACTION ADVENTURE MOVIE IN SURROUND SOUND WHILE SHE WATCHES DESPERATE BONES HOUSE CSI: (NAME A CITY) IN THE BEDROOM???
I know you can see electric bills--but how COMFORTABLE is the House?
WHAT ARE SOME TIPS YOU HAVE THAT MUST BE ANSWERED BEFORE YOU BUY?
I know it will ultimately come down to weighing all these factors, and compromising on some: but you do need to make a smart decision in this process!
THANKS!
JMc
#1 When you find a home you like, hire a house inspector unless you're an expert yourself. You simply can't always believe what owners and realtors tell you. Look at hs report and write into your offer that anything pricey be fixed.
ReplyDelete#2 Decide if any flaws, e.g.: room size, are something you can live with.
Happy New Year and Happy House Hunting!!!
Kay-- That is the very thing I was looking for! Great info & THANKS!!!!
ReplyDeleteJOhn
Kay-- That is the very thing I was looking for! Great info & THANKS!!!!
ReplyDeleteJOhn
I'm with you on getting to spend a few nights in a home first, the flush and scream factor is major and should be investigated.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck my Friend I know the perfect home will come into view soon.
Visit the neighborhood at night. Maybe not as important as when you're apartment hunting, but still...
ReplyDeleteJimmy! Amen Bro! God will provide and guide!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
John
Jen,
That's a great idea! Noise factor, NEIGHBORS, traffic, and all sorts of things may pop up!
Great call!
John
Find a licensed home inspector and make sure he goes over every inch of the house. Follow him or her.
ReplyDeleteand
Always, always look at the grade of the and does it tilt towards the house or away from it
and if it feels like the right house don't jump until you have at least completed the first two steps.
grade of the LAND
ReplyDeleteAnd make the inspector get his ladder out and have him get up ON the roof not just look from the ground.
oh yeah if the hot water tank is big enough and the pressure is right you can flush without messing with the shower unless of course you like cheap thrills then look for small tanks and low pressure.
I was going to suggest the inspector as well.
ReplyDeleteLook beyond the decorating. If you've watched any of those "Sell This House" shows, you'll notice that many houses don't sell simply because the decorating is bad - but the people get way more money when the house is done right. So resolve to not see bad taste (while understanding that obvious heavy dirt and grime and neglect are indicative of maintenance neglect in general and to factor in more expensive repairs in the future). If you can get beyond the hot pink bathroom and the multi-hued shag rug (both were in my son's house which had been on the market a long time) to see the actual bones of the house, you could find a gem.
Also, look in the price range beyond what you actually want to pay - for homes on the market for an overly long time - which are badly decorated but in good shape generally - and offer only what you do want to pay. You might be surprised. Don't be afraid to insult them - they want to sell and probably haven't had any offers so far and might just grab the chance to unload. (This is what my son did as well and bought the house for at least $20,000 below market)
You could find yourself with a home with great details that only needs some paint - and it's likely you would paint any house you bought anyway within the first couple years.
Mark-- Great stuff Bro!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL- on the Hot water heater--That and the AC/HEAT, etc... are going to be on a 30 day hot list!! I'm going to get all new stuff as much as possible in that department--or replace it asap!
I'm sick of NO , I mean NO--water pressure!
Good call on the Slope of the land!!!
J
Jeannie,
That is AWESOME--and YES!! NOW I FEEL like redoing--and am pretty handy when it comes to light fixer-up work--plus I have some friends! My Father-In-Law was in Real Estate- so I remember some of the things he said. Basically--we want the floor plan right, and the right area!
Great tips you guys!!!! I'm going to look 20-50 K above what we can afford and like you said--make an offer!
The Good thing is--we are NOT in a Rush!!!! We can wait and shop!!!!!
John
I've been involved in a lot of buying, selling, and home improvement, but I never heard of the "flush and scream" factor. I love it...
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with the walking man. Hire a GOOD inspector and tell him you want a VERY detailed inspection. This is important for a couple of reasons. Not only does it let you know what your getting into to, it also gives you some ammo to negotiate a lower price if there are problems. Good Luck!
Thanks Pat!! Flush & Scream is awesome- except it means you Pee a bigger stream than ANY of your faucets-or Shower!!!!
ReplyDeleteJ