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Tips for buyers

By
Real Estate Agent with Prudential Bob Yost Homesale Services

Whether you are buying property for investment or to live in extreme care should be exercised to ensure your purchasing experience is stress free and risk free. These few buying tips will make you aware of some of the pitfalls and ways to avoid them.

  • Think about why you are purchasing the property. If you intend living in the property does it really suit your needs? If you have young children or elderly people living with you, you might wish to avoid stairs and prefer a level block. Do you intend to install a pool in the future? Is the back yard too big or too small? Will you need more bedrooms in future? Is it close to schools etc.
  • Be sure to have reports for building inspection and pest inspection prior to committing to the purchase.
  • If you are buying a villa, apartment or townhouse you may be sharing a common wall with your neighbours. It would be advisable to check noise levels if possible. Try to meet your new neighbors. They may not share the same values as you.
  • By researching the real estate market in a particular area you will be much better informed on property values.
  • If a property has been renovated recently you might wish to check with the local council to ensure planning or building permits were approved. Deciding how much to offer can be difficult. You might wish to make your best offer up front or start with a lower offer and be prepared to negotiate up. However, purchasers who make higher offers might secure the property without giving you the opportunity to increase yours.
  • If buying at auction you should have:
    • Decided on a definite upper limit within your means
    • Conducted inspections
    • Had legal documents checked by your lawyer
    • Organised a check for the deposit
    • Finance approved
  • When bidding, bid with confidence and authority.
  • If you wish to avoid someone else purchasing the property you have decided to buy, be prepared to exchange the contract with a cooling off period.
Maria Couto
RE/MAX Premier - Berkeley Heights, NJ
Realtor with "Results That "MOVE" You'
Hello Carolyn, Very nicelly written post. Very sound advice to buyers.
Oct 24, 2007 06:52 AM
Jeff Kessler
Austin Homes, Realtors www.OwnAustin.com - Austin, TX
Broker,CLHMS,GRI

Very good tips for Buyers.  I like when mine are educated.  This helps,

J.

 

Oct 24, 2007 06:54 AM
Mike Thomas
Prudential Bob Yost Homesale Services - Shrewsbury, PA
Your York / Shrewsbury PA Property Merchandising E
Nicely said, ABOUT the best advice I have seen ABOUT auctions.
Oct 25, 2007 08:46 AM