Buying a house?

ali2005jason

This will be the first time we are buying a house and we are meeting with the realtor tomorrow. Any advice for me? Thanks!

AnnapolisLari

It's a business deal. Don't get too emotional. There will ALWAYS be another house.

Get an inspection. Follow the inspector around and ask questions. Lots of questions.

Don't buy more house than you can afford. Houses ALWAYS cost more than just what you pay for them. If you're stretching even a little to make the payments, you are overbuying. There will be a crapload of things that aren't payments that will suck money.

r9stedt

Don't get emotionally attached to the house until you close.

We have already 'lost' two houses that we put offers in on.

DandRAgain

Even though the realtor is supposed to be working for you, they are still working to make a buck, so do research and don't always trust your realtor to have YOUR interest...they may only be thinking of THEIR money, or potential money.

 

DandelionMom

I think the right school district is one of the most important things to consider.  Also be realistic about how much you want to pay.  And get a good inspector when you're ready to buy. 

ali2005jason

Thanks everyone! I'm very excited about everything and can't wait to look at houses but I'm also nervous. As far as the school district goes, my son is already in school so we are trying to keep him in the same school. Thanks again!

jettagurl

1. Don't buy in Franklin township. 

2.  DON'T BUY IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 

lol.

Seriously, though....I second everything Lari said.  If you have a handy husband, look at foreclosures/short sales.

Don't put a date on it.  You may find your house in a week or a year.  Make a list of 'must haves', 'would like to haves' and 'dealbreakers.'  Have some areas picked out.  Drive around at 4ish p.m. to see what the kids are doing.  Drive around later at night as well.  My opinion - I'm picky about the location in the neighborhood - I wouldn't want a house (this pertains to neighborhoods) that is on the entrance street - too busy and cars often go way too fast.  I always wouldn't want to be in the way back on the end where no one is around.   We actually talked to a neighbor when we were looking at our current house.  Him and his wife are retired, and kinda the nosy, watch-dog type.  They are home most of the day, so no one comes around our house without him knowing. lol. 

Inspections are a definite.  

Good Luck! 

 

veloelle

Ditto Jetta on being in the neighborhood in the afternoon. I'd add to be there in the morning when people leave for work. How many ways are there in/out of the housing tract? What are the neighbors like? Are there a million cars parked up and down the street? 

AnnapolisLari

What are the taxes? Do they include trash removal or is it something that you pay for separately? What are the utilities like for the last year? City water and sewer or well and septic? (Each has it's own expenses).

ali2005jason

jettagurl:

1. Don't buy in Franklin township. 

2.  DON'T BUY IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 

lol.

Seriously, though....I second everything Lari said.  If you have a handy husband, look at foreclosures/short sales.

Don't put a date on it.  You may find your house in a week or a year.  Make a list of 'must haves', 'would like to haves' and 'dealbreakers.'  Have some areas picked out.  Drive around at 4ish p.m. to see what the kids are doing.  Drive around later at night as well.  My opinion - I'm picky about the location in the neighborhood - I wouldn't want a house (this pertains to neighborhoods) that is on the entrance street - too busy and cars often go way too fast.  I always wouldn't want to be in the way back on the end where no one is around.   We actually talked to a neighbor when we were looking at our current house.  Him and his wife are retired, and kinda the nosy, watch-dog type.  They are home most of the day, so no one comes around our house without him knowing. lol. 

Inspections are a definite.  

Good Luck! 

 

LOL. That is one place I don't want to go. I would like to try and stay in our area since Caleb is already in school. I checked out a couple of houses today and I'm hoping to get more info about them tomorrow. Thanks again!