Homeowners
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- GrammaSeff
So, I met with a broker and got approved for x amount...
now i gotta start looking.any tips and tricks for this n00b would be appreciated
- mrdobolina0
get a nice place... don't get a not-so-nice place.
- uprise0
Make sure to check the basics. heater/ac, water heater, plumbing, look around a make sure there hasn't been a lot of water damage etc. If it smells meldewy and damp there are leaks. Don't skip over these steps beause you find the house you want and want to snatch it up quickly. You'll regret it.
- GrammaSeff0
what about inspections & stuff, warranties, property taxes, just details
- mg330
What do they say? "Whatever you think you'll spend finalizing it (closing, etc) add $10K to that?
- mrdobolina0
seff, be sure you check underneath any carpets and stuff for pet urine. I am not bullshitting.
with your dog and cat that could be a disaster.
- horton0
- get a good house inspector.. and not necessarily the one the agent recommmends, because they might be supporting each others business/ sales.
- turn on and test every faucet
- stick your head up into the attic, make sure there's no leftover grandmas.
- todelete__20
don't think about the now. think about 5 years from now.
location location location. it's key!!!
keep in mind property taxes and definetly stay within your budget. some guys will give you x amount then the realator will try to get you over that amount just a bit... sometimes... don't do it.
if you think a place needs work you have all the time i nthe world to do it. you don't have to do it all the first week. some home improvement jobs can be done over the summer for a few years ya know.
good luck!
- GrammaSeff0
word guys. im so fucking eggsalad.
i hear you dobs on the carpet.
i'm pulling the carpet
my allergies suck
no carpet. i might do the stained concrete thing. my boss has that in her home and its badass
- todelete__20
yeah. like horton said. a good inspector can catch some little stuff that will cost you huge down the road.
he caught an old brass fitting on my dryer which actually if not removed soon could have blown my whole house up. fuckin a.
an inspector shouldn't be more than 300. a good realator will know or work with one.
and, it's an inspectors ass if someting fails that he missed so they are all pretty much very good.
- GrammaSeff0
also kona,
location.. i have no idea what is blowing up and what is going downhill... i cant afford a luxury crib or anything
- mrdobolina0
that's nice. you know how brand new condos have the expensive heated floors? you can mimic that look with the stained concrete, looks slick and really updates a place without costing an arm and a nut.
- jevad0
take your time
don't rush it
spend as long as you want inspecting properties - don't let an impatient seller or agent hurry you
look at everything - boiler, electrics, heater etc...
have a plumber and electrician make a final check ona property that you ahve put an offer on - make sure you have a clause in your contract saying that if the house fails any of these inspections the deal is off
- monkeyshine0
- Include the taxes in with your mortgage if you can...unless you know you will be very loyal to putting away a monthly amount.
- Don't tell the realtor what you are approved for b/c they bank on the fact that they'll find you a house that's a little over and you'll love it so much you can't resist.
- Pace yourself. It's stressful househunting. Give yourself time to find the right house.
You can buy my house. It's going on the market next week. :)
- tparsons0
Yes on the home inspector. Talk to the neighbors. Yes on Location also. Include your insurance and taxes in your mortgage..... it's easier that way. Also check out the value of the house in your neighborhood. That info is public most of the time. You'll be able to figure out if it's a good buy or not without the realtor.
have fun house shopping...
- GrammaSeff0
monkey, are you single?
if so, do you find it difficult on a single income? that's one part im gripping about
- horton0
the "offer subject to inspection" clause in the contract is critical; gives you an out or chance to renegotiate the price if the inspection uncovers major problems not already made public.
- monkeyshine0
yes, seff. It's not that bad if you're frugal...and believe me you'll be frugal. Just make sure that your monthly payments are within a comfortable range. Try to have at least 3 months worth of payments set aside fo emergencies.
Also, make sure that the house you buy isn't such a fixer upper that you'll be bleeding money for three years.
- designerror0
make sure to be there both doing the day and night before you buy! a house/flat can change alot when it's dark outside.
light is everything, make sure it have lots of it coming in, also check what way the rooms turn. you want the sun in the morning in your bedroom and sun in the evening in your living room.
+ of cause all the regular stuff like inspecting everything, get someone with you that knows everything about structure and all the stuff, don't wanna get something that is eaten up from the inside in 3 years.
good luck, went through it all 6 months ago.
- Mimio0
Make sure there are no code violations or fines against the residence before you buy it. Have the agent obtain the average utility bills. Find out how the long the house has been on the market. Unless it's a hot area don't ever pay the asking price. Make sure the incidental escrow is around 1000 dollars for damages they might incure while moving out.(Sometimes they make them around 200 bucks, that's not nearly enough incentive forthe seller)