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Q: What Should I Look For When Deciding On A Community?
A: Select a community that will allow you to best live your daily
life. Many people choose communities based on schools. Do you want access
to shopping and public transportation? Is access to local facilities like
libraries and museums important to you? Or do you prefer the peace and quiet
of a rural community? When you find places that you like, talk to people
that live there. They know the most about the area and will be your future
neighbors. More than anything, you want a neighborhood where you feel comfortable
in.
Q: What Should I Do If I Am Feeling Excluded From
Certain Neighborhoods?
A: You should immediately contact
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) if you feel excluded
from a neighborhood or particular house. Also, contact HUD if you believe
you are being discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion,
sex, nationality, familial status, or disability. HUD's Office of Fair Housing
has a hotline for reporting incidents of discrimination: 1-800-669-9777
(and 1-800-927-9275 for the hearing impaired).
Q: How
Can I Find Out About Local Schools?
A: You can get information
about school systems by contacting the city or county school board or the
local schools. Your real estate agent may also be knowledgeable about schools
in the area.
Q: How Can I Find Out About Community Resources?
A: Contact the local chamber of commerce for promotional literature
or talk to your real estate agent about welcome kits, maps, and other information.
You may also want to visit the local library. it can be an excellent source
for information on local events and resources, and the librarians will probably
be able to answer many of the questions you have.
Q:
How Can I Find Out How Much Homes Are Selling For In Certain Communities
And Neighborhoods?
A: Your real estate agent can give you
a ballpark figure by showing you comparable listings. If you are working
with a realtor, they may have access to comparable sales maintained on a
database.
Q: How Can I Find Information On The Property
Tax Liability?
A: The total amount of the previous year's
property taxes is usually included in the listing information. If it's not,
ask the seller for a tax receipt or contact the local assessor's off ice.
Tax rates can change from year to year, so these figures may-be approximate.
Q: What Are Other Tax Issues I Should Take Into Consideration?
A: Keep in mind that your mortgage interest and real estate taxes
will be deductible. A qualified real estate professional can give you more
details on other tax benefits and liabilities.
Q: Is
An Older Home A Better Value Than A New Home?
A: There isn't
a definitive answer to this question. You should look at each home for its
individual characteristics. Generally, older homes may be in more established
neighborhoods, offer more ambiance, and have lower property tax rates. People
who buy older homes, however, shouldn't mind maintaining their home and
making some repairs. Newer homes tend to use more modern architecture and
systems, are usually easier to maintain, and may be more energy-efficient.
People who buy new homes often don't want to worry initially about upkeep
and repairs.
Q: What Should I Look For When Walking Through
A Home?
A: In addition to comparing the home to your minimum
requirement and wish lists, consider the following:
- Is there enough room for both the present and the future?
- Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms?
- Is the house structurally sound?
- Do the mechanical systems and appliances work?
- Is the yard big enough?
- Do you like the floor plan?
- Will your furniture fit in the space? Is there enough storage space? (Bring a tape measure to better answer these questions.)
- Does anything need to repaired or replaced? Will the seller repair or replace the items?
- Imagine the house in good weather and bad, and in each season. Will you be happy with it year round?
Take your time and think carefully about each house you see. Ask your real estate agent to point out the pros and cons of each home from a professional standpoint.
Q: What Questions Should I Ask When Looking At Homes?
A: Many of your questions should focus on potential problems and maintenance issues. Does anything need to be replaced? What things require ongoing maintenance (e.g., paint, roof, HVAC, appliances, carpet)? Also ask about the house and neighborhood, focusing on quality of life issues. Be sure the seller's or real estate agent's answers are clear and complete. Ask questions until you understand all of the information they've given. Making a list of questions ahead of time will help you organize your thoughts and arrange all of the information you receive.
Q: How Can I Keep Track Of All The Homes I See?
A: If possible, take photographs of each house: the outside, the major rooms, the yard, and extra features that you like or ones you see as potential problems. And don't hesitate to return for a second look.
Q: How Many Homes Should I Consider Before Choosing One?
A: There isn't a set number of houses you should see before you decide. Visit as many as it takes to find the one you want. On average, homebuyers see 15 houses before choosing one. Just be sure to communicate often with your real estate agent about everything you're looking for. It will help avoid wasting your time.
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