Buyer's Beware:
Six Potential Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't
do the following:
- Buy an outmoded house or ill-fitting house, unless you are certain
it can be tailored to suit your needs, and you know exactly how much that
will cost.
- Let spur-of-the-moment impulse override sound judgement. Take your
time and tour the house at least twice at different times of the day. Drive
around the neighborhood and find out what you're really getting into. Make
sure the family is in agreement.
- Buy a house just because it's a bargain. Or you might end up with
something you didn't bargain for - a less than ideal housing situation.
Stick to your criteria and find a home that meets your needs, wants, and
budget.
- Buy a new house in a subdivision if you expect to move in less than
seven years. If you try to sell any sooner, you will find yourself competing
with brand new homes being built around the corner and offering better
financing.
- Try to work personal property into the real estate deal. Take care
of the house first, then worry about the washer and dryer. Otherwise, you
will just end up confusing the seller.
- Buy a new house without getting to know the neighborhood first..
You need to find out about the emergency services, zoning restrictions,
street lighting, parks, shopping centers, churches, medical facilities, etc