Buying a home and getting hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt can be really scary. I understand exactly how you are feeling, the overwhelm is real.
I’m going to give you 4 questions that will set you at ease and get you headed in the right direction toward selecting the best home for you and your family. Buying a home should be fun and exciting.
That’s what I’m here for! Hi, I’m Sherri Echol, Broker Associate with RE/MAX Bryan – College Station.
#1 – Why is the seller moving? Knowing why a seller is moving can put you in a better-negotiating position. Finding out as much information as possible about the seller’s move can allow you to gauge how flexible the seller may or may not be during negotiations.
A motivated seller who needs to move more quickly due to a job change or major life event may be willing to negotiate more favorably. Sometimes this is hard information to get, but we try anyway!
#2 – What is included in the sale? As a buyer, you might be eyeing the beautiful stainless steel refrigerator in the kitchen, but is that included in the sale? Anything considered a fixture is usually included; however, there could be items that you think are included but actually aren’t. Refrigerators are not fixtures.
It is essential to include all the items you want in your offer from the get go. You want to make sure the seller is willing to part with the items you are requesting as a part of the sale and that there aren’t any surprises later. It’s hard to ask for something else once the terms have been negotiated so be thorough with your offer.
#3: Have any major renovations been done to the property? Although in most states, sellers are required to disclose what has been done to the property, it is always wise as a buyer to find out what significant renovations or upgrades have been done to the home.
Knowing the home’s improvement history will help you understand its overall condition and why the seller priced the home the way they did. It may also be a good idea to ask for warranties and invoices, and if the work was permitted and inspected.
#4- How is the neighborhood? As a buyer, you most likely will want to get a feel for the neighborhood. Items can be replaced or fixed in a home, but neighborhoods are here to stay. It’s best to do your homework, ask questions, and research to find out what the nearby schools, amenities, traffic, and crime statistics are like. We can provide some websites to get you started.
A final word on making buying fun, work with an agent you click with, who takes the time to educate you every step of the way. We at Sell With Sherri are here to educate and serve, give us a call. I’m your Community Market Leader Sherri Echols, a helping hand for a happy home.
