As it turns out, many homebuyers didn’t buy the home they thought they were buying. The longer they live in it, the more they find that they hate their purchase decision. One of the biggest reasons for the regret is that they failed to do their homework and ask the tough questions.
If you want your next home buying experience to be a long-term love affair, pay attention to the items below. Doing so may keep you from regretting your purchase.
1. The Neighborhood
Home Avenue’s Realtors work hard to look at all the angles when helping you purchase your home. One of the main considerations is the condition and reputation of the neighborhood. You can tell a lot about a neighborhood by looking up the crime rate, looking at the conditions of the property, and investigating the property values.
You may also want to knock on a few doors and ask the neighbors what they think of the area. Does the area have good shopping, schools, and an overall strong economic portfolio? All of these issues will make a difference after you’ve moved in.
2. Your Commute To and From Work
You may be tempted to downplay your commute to and from your job. However, it won’t be long before it eats into your day and creates neverending irritation. Traffic, stoplights, time spent in the vehicle, and automotive maintenance will all take their toll eventually. In the end, you’ll probably wish you lived closer to your job.
3. The Homeowners Association
An HOA is only a benefit if it was what you were looking for in the first place. So, if you thought you could move in unnoticed and didn’t have to adhere to the HOA rules and guidelines, then you may be in for a rude awakening when you’re hit with fees, fines, and the expectation to participate in activities and volunteer efforts. Before you join an HOA, make sure you understand what you’re getting yourself into. An HOA may either be a great asset or an Achilles heel.
4. The Home Inspection
Under no circumstances should you ever purchase a home without a certifiable home inspection from a reputable inspector. If you don’t trust the buyer’s inspector, the hire your own. If you skip the inspection, you could discover several problems with the house that will set you back hundreds or thousands dollars.
5. The Home’s Resale Value
You may go into a home purchase with the expectation that you’ll live there, retire there, and pass it on to your kids. Yet, life happens—a new job, financial crises, more kids, or a better home on the other side of town. For these or other reasons, you owe it to yourself to investigate the home’s potential market value. Look for the good, the bad, and the ugly.
6. Not Working With a Flat-Fee Realty Company
Flat-fee realty companies offer you perks and benefits that a traditional realtor cannot provide. When you partner with Home Avenue to buy or sell a home, you can take advantage of the following benefits:
a. Flat-fee realty. Say goodbye to high commissions.
b. Home Buyer Cash Rebates
c. For Sale by Owner (FSBO) Packages
d. Powerful marketing tools and resources
If you spend more money than necessary to buy or sell your home, you will look back and wonder why you didn’t work with a flat-fee realtor. To find out more about our flat-fee realty products and services in Minneapolis, MN, call us at 952-929-7355, or you can send a message on our contact page.