Buying a home needn’t be a high-risk venture. With a little planning, preparation and the use of a knowledgeable real estate agent, you can avoid these common buying blunders.
Procrastination
How many times have you called on a property only to learn it was already under contract? It happens more often than you might realize, especially for the biggest bargains or areas in high demand. Working with a real estate agent allows you to make your buying preferences clearly defined and then be automatically notified once a property that meets your expectations is listed.
Budgeting
Find out how much home you can afford by getting pre-qualified and pre-approved by the bank. Not only does it send the message that you are a serious buyer who is willing and able to close on the right property, it can also help the broker negotiate other terms, such as closing costs, on your behalf to make the deal work.
Assumptions
Never assume that the taxes and insurance quotes for a property will remain the same after purchasing. Property or homeowners insurance also involves your independent credit score as well as the history of the home and its condition.
Likewise, property taxes are often years behind or may have a cap placed upon them if the property was eligible for homestead exemption or other special limitations placed on tax increases. Always obtain at least three independent insurance quotes on a property and obtain a newly revised estimate for property taxes before making a final offer.
Skipping Inspections
Whether the home is brand new or 100 years old, always invest in an inspection to prevent costly repairs and other hazards.