Judith Sutton ABR CRS IDS PMN ASP IAHSP SRES GREEN
Judy@JudithSutton.com 908 803-0472
EXPECT MORE
WHAT TO ASK WHEN BUYING A HOME, cont.
6. What’s the neighborhood like?
Here are some questions to ask when evaluating:
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Quality of the neighborhood, convenience to your job, convenience to family and friends, convenience to shopping, schools, parks, recreational facilities, entertainment, leisure activities, sports, and exercise facilities.
This list can give you ideas for questions to ask to see if a neighborhood is the best fit for you.
7. What are the schools like?
Nearly a quarter of all recent home buyers said the quality of the school district (24%) and the convenience to schools (21%) were important factors in choosing a neighborhood. And guess what else? The home characteristics that recent buyers were least likely to compromise on were school quality (4%) and distance from school (2%).
So, if you have (or plan to have) any children, asking questions about the quality and distance of the school districts near your potential home is obviously a big deal. But even if you don’t have kids, keep in mind that a home located near good schools could make it more valuable when it’s time to sell. Added value to the sale.
8. Is the location prone to natural disasters?
If you’ve never lived in an area that has hurricanes or severe weather warnings, you’ve probably never had to deal with thinking about how to protect yourself. In our area (the Somerset Hills) inquire if your new home is located in an area where it’s at risk of tornadoes, floods, or ice storms. Changing weather patterns are occurring everywhere. Make sure you are covered for those particular disasters beyond what your homeowner’s insurance may cover.
9. Are there any problems with the house?
The answer to this question isn’t always easy to find. That’s why you absolutely need to have your home inspected professionally before you buy. Your seller is required to send a document that lists any known problems. But they could always leave something out accidentally. For example, ask if there were ever any major renovations done to the house. A previous owner might’ve added a bedroom or a deck that isn’t actually up to code. Knowing about it before you buy can help you strike a deal during negotiations.
10. Ask: How old is the roof?
Most expert roofing websites say that an asphalt roof has a lifespan of around 20 years. So make sure you find out If the roof is approaching the end of its life expectancy, it could cost you $7,000–10,000 to replace it on a 1,900-square-foot home. You don’t want a surprise roof replacement added to your budget. But take note: end-of-life expectancy will be most likely negotiated after inspections. I will assist you with the right advice and how to proceed.
In my next blog on this subject (part 3) I will continue with good advice on thoughtful planning and goal setting to make your buying experience calm, sensible and without drama to your budget. Please call me with any questions or concerns you may have! I am here to help you make good decisions!
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