If you want to buy a Matthews NC home...walk the lot.
You've found a home that you love and you can picture your family in this house. But don't forget to investigate the piece of ground where the house sits. Don't forget to walk the lot!
This article, Part 2 in the Basics of Due Diligence series, outlines some of the questions you should ask when evaluating a lot for purchase. Part 3 of this series will discuss resources for finding answers to some of these questions.
What to Consider When Choosing a Lot
You can change the exterior of a home by painting it a different color and you can change the interior with the latest fixtures and upgrades but you cannot move the lot to a different location or change its basic characteristics. To a certain extent, a lot's appeal will depend on your lifestyle and the atmosphere you desire for your home. You should strive to choose a lot that will balance your lifestyle wishes with a lot that will appeal to the most buyers when it is time for you to resell the property.
Where is the lot located within the neighborhood?
- Is the lot on a busy street with quick access outside the neighborhood or on a quiet cul-de-sac where less traffic makes it safer for children to play?
- Is the lot adjacent to the community amenities so that you can walk to the neighborhood pool or is it so close that summer days will be very noisy?
- Is the lot on a corner where you have fewer neighbors but less backyard privacy?
- Is the lot located in the interior of the neighborhood where you know what will be around and behind the lot or is it on the exterior adjoining undeveloped land?
What are the views from the lot?
- What do you see from your front porch?
- What do you see from the back deck? Is the backyard private or do you see your neighbors' backyards?
- Check out the views from windows inside the house. What will your guests see when they eat in your dining room or when they relax in your family room?
- Are there any unsightly views, such as power towers, that cannot be changed or screened?
What are the basic characteristics of the lot?
- Does the lot size meet your needs for maintenance, family activities and privacy? Is it too big for you to maintain or not large enough for your children to play?
- Is the lot level or is it hilly? Is the house above the grade of the road or below? Is the driveway level enough to have a level parking pad for cars or a play area? Does any part of the lot appear to be low or wet?
- Is the lot wooded or is it open? Does it meet your needs for maintenance, family activities and privacy?
- Do you know where the corners of the lot are located? Do you know the dimensions and the shape of the lot?
- Does the lot have any easements or restrictions that would preclude you from using it for a desired activity?
Related articles
Buy a Matthews NC Home: The Basics of Due Diligence Part 1
Buy a Matthews NC Home: The Basics of Due Diligence Part 3
Want to know more about buying Matthews NC real estate?
Visit www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com
About the author: Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors is a veteran agent who has helped people by Matthews NC homes and neighborhoods for over twenty years.
Copyright 2008. Carol Fox. All rights reserved. "Buy a Matthews NC Home: The Basics of Due Diligence Part 2"
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