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20 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE PURCHASING A HOME

By
Mortgage and Lending with Money Tree Financing Group, LLC

1.  What is the neighborhood (and your neighbors) like... are there certain features in the area that           would affect the value of this property in the future?      

2.  What are the taxes on the home?      

3.  What are the utility costs... especially electricity if the home is electrically heated?      

4.  How far do I have to travel for schools, public transit and shopping?      

5.  What major repair expenses do I have to look forward to within the next two years?      

6.  What is the traffic flow in front of or near the property... any main roads, bus routes or railway          tracks?      

7.  Are there any utility easements or encroachments over the property?      

8.  Is there a fairly recent survey that shows all the buildings and additions on the property?    

9. Has the property had a home inspection done when the present owners bought that you could check to see what minor and major problems there were? Ask the vendor for a list of those problems that were fixed!    

10.  Has the homeowner signed a property disclosure document?

11.  How much are the closing costs... and is there a better time in the month to close to minimize them?    

12.  Who has the best rates and service in the mortgage field... bankers or mortgage brokers?    

13.  How do you select the best lender to work with?    

14.  What are the other comparable homes in the area selling for? You don't want to overpay or get carried away by snazzy finishing touches in a home which may be priced higher than other neighborhood homes.    

15.  How flexible are Sellers and/or Builders on their asking price in this area?    

16.  At what price do we start with when we go to put in an offer?    

17.  How is my financing approval determined? Is there any beneficial existing financing on the property        that I can assume?    

18.  What does the yard look like when it isn't covered with snow? Are there any problems with drainage         or runoff after a heavy rain or in the spring.    

19.  Does the basement show any signs of moisture... can it be fixed simply by cleaning/repairing the           evestrough or is it a more serious problem?    

20.  What can I have included in the sale? Are there any exclusions?  Back to Top   The answers to these and many other questions will often depend on the type of home, the area, your credit and capacity profile, and other factors.  That's why it is so important to work with an experienced Loan Specialist and Realtor that you trust.   For additional information concerning your mortgage needs, please call us TOLL FREE at  1-888-253-6364 or email us at info@getmoneytree.com.     We look forward to serving you!

Comments(4)

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Money Tree
Money Tree Financing Group, LLC - Lawrenceville, NJ
Good point James..  THANKS !!!
Jul 19, 2007 12:54 AM
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

At what price do we start with when we go to put in an offer?

In our days while we think what price to start with, another buyer will offer much less and the deal is done...

I had a listing, the deal did not go though just because the owner did not want to leave a glass dining table... Oh, sellers do love that table. So, after that, before we got another offer- we remove that table from the property!!! Offers... You won't believe. Property was listed for $449000, offers were given from low $300000. The glass table ... and a few months went by until we got an exceptional offer again.

Jul 19, 2007 01:08 AM
Mike Jaquish
Realty Arts - Cary, NC
919-880-2769 Cary, NC, Real Estate

"1.  What is the neighborhood (and your neighbors) like..."

I sure try to avoid the topic in parentheses.  Fair Housing and all that stuff, you know?

I sell real property.

Jul 19, 2007 01:19 AM
Bill Gillhespy
16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos
Hi Rick,  In this market it might also be smart to add : How long has this house/condo been on the market ?
Jul 19, 2007 01:51 AM