Mistakes to AVOID when buying a home

by Brian Ortiz, Chicago Real Estate

Chicago IL Real Estate 

Home buyers need to be very careful to protect themselves from these common mistakes made when buying a home:

  • Not studying insurance issues-  Be sure to purchase enough insurance.  Always consult with an insurance agent who can answer your concerns.
  • Not thinking about long-term needs-  It is very important to think ahead when making a home purchase.  Try to imagine if the home will still meet your needs 3-5 years down the road.
  • Not having a home inspection-  Do not try to save a few dollars by skipping a home inspection.  This can cost you significantly in the future.  Use a qualified home inspector to detect issues an "untrained" eye may overlook.
  • Limiting your search to only open houses and classified ads- Your best resource is always your local Realtor.  Realtors have updated information that is not always available to the general public.  A Realtor is your best resource to assist you in locating the home you want.
  • Selecting a Real Estate Agent who is not interested in forming a strong business bond with you-  Be sure you have a good connection with your Realtor.  Select a professional who will be there before, during and after the sale.
  • Not knowing the entire costs involved-  Get an estimate from your lender or Realtor of closing costs.  Don't forget to include title insurance and attorney charges. 
  • Making an offer on a home before being pre-qualified-  Be sure to take time to work with your lender.  They have great methods to determine the price range you can afford.  It will make things easier and possibly prevent financial problems down the road when you establish an accurate price range. 
  • Thinking there is just one perfect house out there-  Remember buying a home is not always about selection, it's also about elimination.  Additional properties are added to the market daily. 
  • Not following through on details- Be sure to think ahead about concerns you may have.  Make a list in advance regarding items like neighbors, environmental concerns, crime rates, schools, and power lines.  Before making the offer on that home, make sure you know the answers to these important questions.  In the end this will help boost your confidence in your new home purchase.
  • Not buying a home protection plan-  A small insurance policy can be purchased and typically lasts 12-13 months after closing.  This helps to cover basic repairs and is a small fee.  Be sure to ask your Realtor if you would like to find a protection plan like this for your new investment.

If you are currently in the market to buy a home, please feel free to consult with me.  I will help you avoid many common pitfalls like the ones listed above.  I'd be more than happy to assist you and ensure you AVOID classic mistakes like these, when buying a home.

Brian Ortiz, Chicago Real Estate

RE/MAX Vision II

Chicago, IL

http://www.brianortizproperties.com/

773-398-5121

 

 

2 Comments on Mistakes to AVOID when buying a home

FEB
18
2007

Hello Fellow Realtor,

            I just wanted to  let you know if you have any clients relocating to Chicagoland, we are licensed in Indiana as well as Illinois. Our office is about 27 miles from Downtown Chicago and over 50% of our buyers work in Chicago and burbs. We offer 25% referral with signed referral registration form to protect  everyone.

                                                                  Respectfiully,

                                                                            Suzanne Willems http://www.willemsrealtors.com/

                                                                                    

1:15pm • #1
Thanks Suzanne, but as I am an Illinois licensed Realtor, serving the Chicago area, I should be ok and not needing a Realtor in Chicago to refer someone to. 
11:55pm • #2

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Brian Ortiz

Chicago, IL

More about me…

RE/MAX Vision II

Address: 350 W. Ontario, Chicago, IL, 60610

Cell Phone: (773) 398-5121

Email Me

Written for consumers in all markets, a Real Estate Blog with tips and suggestions for buying or selling a home. Whether you are in the process now, or preparing to enter the process, a great resource for navigating the Real Estate transaction.


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