Real Estate Marketing & Beyond
To make the final decision on the home you purchase, you should ask your real estate agent any questions that come to mind. A responsible professional will give you the most honest answers they can on every home you look at. When you take a home tour , here are some important concerns you should ask about.
Particularly if it's an older home, it may need some refurbishing. Even if it does look well-maintained, or you've fallen in love with the custom tile work, there may be water damage or outdated electrical fixtures or wiring.
The seller is obligated to disclose any known issues, but sometimes that's contingent on making an offer first. Before you reach that point, you'll want to know about the added costs of any repair work. Think about using a home inspector.
Ask the agent how long that particular home has been on the market. If it's newly listed, the owners may be unwilling to negotiate the price. The longer it's been on the market, the more likely it is they're anxious to sell and strike a deal.
Many people feel that a home that hasn't sold must have some serious flaws somewhere. That may be the case, but if you can't spot those issues it's more than likely that they're asking too high a price.
Real estate agents see a lot of homes, so make a point of asking what strikes them about this particular piece of property. They may point out a cozy fireplace or a renovated bathroom. Ask yourself how important that is to you in terms of your own style and budget.
You may be able to renovate any bathroom or fireplace to your own tastes for a couple thousand or less. If that "best" feature isn't something you particularly value, it might not be the best home for you.
Some areas are declining, and some are thriving. Older neighborhoods in a downturn may reflect future drops in home values, local economy, and community amenities. You may choose to focus on flourishing developments that provide access to shopping, schools, and medical care. These can provide your best bet for both future value and quality of living.
A good real estate agent should be prepared to answer all of your questions. If they can't, or won't, you may want to try someone else.
