10 Things To Look Out For When You’re Buying A Home
There have been many changes in the real estate market over the last few decades, but the idea that location matters first and foremost remains the same. In order to be happy in a home, it’s important to like the area where you live. When deciding on the neighborhoods where you would enjoy living, begin by talking to friends and co-workers, and asking for their ideas and opinions. Take some time and drive through areas which may be of interest to you. Then follow these 10 steps to get you started in the right direction:
* Begin looking at homes on the internet to get an idea of what homes are available in the neighborhoods you like.
* Decide on a budget you can realistically afford. Speaking with a mortgage broker can help you determine the amount you can spend to keep the monthly mortgage and down payment within your range.
* Consider the additional costs such as closing costs, property taxes, homeowners insurance and any homeowners association fees. Additionally, calculate any maintenance costs you may incur.
* Once you’ve decided upon your budget, you can begin the steps toward getting pre-approval for a mortgage. This way you’ll be ready to buy when you do find the right home.
* Think about the things that will be most important to you in the home that you buy, and how the house will fit with your lifestyle.
* Ask someone you trust for a referral to a real estate agent who they’ve had a good experience with in the past.
* When you look at a home, don’t just look at the building. Be sure to check the land. For example, see if flooding could be a problem.
* Check if the house is positioned properly. A west facing kitchen can be hot, or an east facing bedroom can be bright early in the morning.
* Find out what the area is like and visit it at several different times of the day and night. Discover if there is noise from a flight path, school, or bars. See if it is walkable to stores or public transportation.
* Check the house thoroughly and be sure to look at storage spaces. Open and close doors, look at insulation, and if possible take someone with you who might notice things that you don’t. Find out the age of the roof and ask plenty of questions.
* Have the home professionally inspected. For the relatively small fee, it can potentially save you many thousands of dollars. After an inspection, you can decide which flaws are acceptable, affordable to repair, or something that may be negotiable with the seller.
And after you’ve found the house you’ll call home, make sure it’s protected with the right homeowners insurance policy. Pettineo Insurance can help you with the coverage limits and deductibles that are right for you.
For additional help with your homeowners insurance needs contact Pettineo Insurance Agency today at (954) 493-9424 or visit www.pettineo.com for a free quote.
Pettineo Insurance Agency Inc. provides homeowners insurance in Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, North Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, Sunrise,
Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, Tamarac, Plantation, Lighthouse Point and all of Florida. As an independent agent we represent many top rated companies in both the personal and commercial lines. We place your policy with the company offering the best coverage at a reasonable price. We offer a complete line of personal, commercial, life and health insurance products, designed exclusively for your insurance needs. Serving South Florida for almost 30 years, Pettineo Insurance offers the highly personalized service and stability that you should expect from your insurance agent.
