Admin

Looking to Buy a Home? Here Are 4 Real Estate Deal Killers

By
Real Estate Sales Representative with Right At Home Realty Inc., Brokerage

It’s hard for buyers to feel confident with a sale until they actually have the keys in their hand, and for good reason. Many real estate deals fall through unexpectedly, but there are ways to avoid the headache and hassle. Here are a few tips on how to avoid some of the more common real estate deal killers when you decide to buy a home.

1. You Want To Buy A Home But There Are Financial Complications

Among the most common real estate deal breakers occurs when financing falls through, which is understandable, considering the complicated nature of such major transactions. Many buyers get preapproved for a mortgage without realizing that it is only the first of many steps in securing a loan for when you buy a home. The best way to avoid this deal breaker is to be ready for any paperwork the underwriter throws at you, and to stay in close communication with your mortgage broker, so that your agent can keep on top of any potential financing issues before they arise.

2. Property Condition Issues When You Buy A Home

The final walk-through can be a very nerve-wracking experience for the seller. That is because some major issues, such as wood rot, dangerous decks, or faulty electric systems, can be so extensive that they cause a deal to fall through the cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ask your broker to brief you on what sort of shape the home is required to be in, and take care of any potential issues before the walk through takes place.

3. Fussy Inspectors

Though most property inspectors are reasonable and professional, every once in a while you may find yourself dealing with an inspector who is a bit of a stickler. While most of the nitty-gritty issues can be fixed with a minimal investment, occasionally an issue previously not considered by the homeowner is spotted out, which costs enough money to cause the deal to fall through.

4. Homeowner Association Rules

Homeowner associations oversee many properties, and each of these associations has their own list of rules and regulations. In most cases they are reasonable and easy to follow but sometimes, specifically in urban co-ops and condominiums, there are a few rules that may conflict with the lifestyle of someone who is looking to buy a home there. For example, many homeowner associations have rules against pets. The best way to avoid this deal breaker is to thoroughly read through the homeowner association’s policies and recent meeting minutes to make sure you know the rules before making any commitments.

Do you know of any deal killers that we might have missed? If yes, what are they?

Posted by

 

 

Comments(3)

Show All Comments Sort:
Rowlett Real Estate School
Rowlett Real Estate School - Panama City, FL
Rowlett Real Estate School / Owner and Instructor

You certainly named some deal killers alright.  Thank you for the post!

Feb 08, 2012 01:43 AM
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

Good points - all of these problems could be avoided by educating yourself before looking at homes and using an experienced real estate professional to help guide you through the tricky parts!

Feb 08, 2012 03:37 AM
Lee Redwood
Right At Home Realty Inc., Brokerage - Burlington, ON
Your Real Estate Matters

Thanks guys. Using an experienced real estate pro is the right answer. I've had many occasions, especially with #3 with first time home buyers and their home inspectors. Realtors, inspectors, buyers, sellers...we all have opinions on what the perfect home is and should be. But when those opinions aren't deal breakers but your delivery is alarming to a buyer...we sometimes have to step in, address the concerns with solutions and save the sale.

Lee

Feb 08, 2012 03:48 AM