|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
3544 Monticello Commons - Norcross - GA - 30092 Cell: 678.467.7388 - Other:770.825.0947 - email |
|
|||
|
|
Selecting a home Some buyers are concerned how the economy and a recession may affect the value of the house they buy. They address the issue and protect themselves by purchasing a house that is more likely to hold value in a recession. For more information, I suggest that you read Marilyn Lewis’ article “What makes a house recession-proof” in http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/HomebuyingGuide/WhatMakesAHouseRecessionProof.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217332
What services will you provide me as a real estate agent?
I will:
1. Meet with you to get information about your preferences concerning the features of the home, location, schools and any other requirements
2. Provide you detailed description of homes for sale, including pictures
3. Show you homes that you selected
4. Prepare the purchase agreement when you have decided to make and offer on a home
5. Negotiate the best price and lowest contribution to closing costs
6. Arrange for the inspection and explain the inspection report
7. If, based on the recommendation of the inspector, you decide to request repairs, I will negotiate with the seller to have them completed
8. Answer your questions
What information will you supply me about the home that I choose?
Property Disclosure Statement, which includes information about:
Occupancy
Soil, trees, shrubs and boundaries
Termites, dry-rot, pests and wood destroying organisms
Structural items, additions and alterations
Lead-based paint
Gutters and downspouts
Drainage, flooding and moisture
Plumbing related items
Other systems and components
Toxic substances
Covenants, fees and assessments
Other matters
Fixtures and items that are included in the sales of the property
and the following information not included in the listing:
Annual property taxes
Date of the assessment
Lot size, acres
Building square footage
Complete report from County tax records
What is the ideal house?
These are some the features that may make a house ideal for most people:
location: in a good school district, within acceptable commuting time, on a cul-de-sac, away from a busy street, train tracks, landfills, power lines, on a level lot, full basement, it doesn’t need any repairs, it is clean, it has been well maintained, it has a private backyard, plenty of neighborhood amenities (pool, tennis, etc.), large deck, etc.
Make a list of your priorities, such as the following
Location: schools, places of worship, near your friends and family, near your work, city life or suburbs
Size: number of bedrooms and bathrooms, extra rooms for guests or home office, garden size, storage space.
Construction: ranch (one level), 2-story, master bedroom on main floor, basement
Amenities: garage, fireplace, hardwood floors.
Condition: move-in condition or needs repairs or improvements.
Should I give preference to a community or subdivision with mandatory homeowners association?
Benefits of communities with mandatory homeowners association:
· The community always looks great
· Property values tend to be higher
Disadvantages of communities without a mandatory homeowners association:
You give up some personal freedoms. For instance, you will not be able to paint the home of any color, install a type of fence you like, park a certain king of vehicles (commercial van, boat, recreational vehicle).
Do you have any other suggestions?
· Choose neighborhoods with few rentals, because owners take better care of their homes than renters.
· Check the commuting time on a weekday morning and/or evening rush hour rather than during weekends. Drive from the prospective home to your place of work yourself, and then decide if you consider the commuting time acceptable to you.
Where can I find information about schools?
Tell me type of school and the location, and I will provide you specific information.
The following are some useful websites:
Gwinnett County Public Schools:
Gwinnett County Private Schools:
DeKalb County Public Schools: http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/
DeKalb County Private Schools:
Fulton County Schools: http://www.fultonschools.org/
What if I cannot afford the ideal house?
Then you narrow your search to those houses you can afford. Tell me the features you must have. Keep in mind that there will be features you can change and others that you cannot change.
What would be features that I can change?
Wallpapers may be replaced, interior and exterior walls may be repainted, kitchen and bathrooms may be remodeled, an unfinished basement may be finished, a deck may be added, wall-to-wall carpets may be replaced with hardwood floors, etc.
What are features that I cannot change?
Location, steep driveway, style of the house, absence of basement, size of the lot, sloped lot, lack of neighborhood amenities, etc. |
|
|
|
3544 Monticello Commons - Norcross - GA - 30092
Cell: 678.467.7388 - Other:770.825.0947 - email |
