| You have probably read someone's 101 on buying a | | | | toward the house? Where will the water go when it |
| new home. Everyone tells you to get the house | | | | rains? Are there large trees on the property that |
| inspected, don't show excitement or impatience, | | | | could be potential problems later on down the road? |
| don't put an offer in on a house the first time you | | | | Examine the land around the house just as carefully |
| look at it, etc, etc, etc. But how many people think | | | | as you examined the house. You may find a potential |
| of the small, seemingly insignificant things, that you | | | | problem before it becomes your headache. |
| can do when buying a home to insure the house you | | | | Check the utility bills, they don't lie! |
| buy is a real deal? Let's take a look at a few: | | | | Ask your realtor to obtain copies of the utility bills for |
| Appraise it! | | | | the last year. Most sellers will be happy to furnish |
| Don't take the realtors word about value; their | | | | them for your examination and if a seller balks at the |
| information may be inaccurate or even outdated. | | | | idea, there is most likely a reason. If the water bill |
| Contact the local tax appraisal office (many have | | | | seems especially high, there could be a hidden and |
| online databases you can use) and find out the | | | | costly leak; if the electricity bill is sky high, the house |
| up-to-date appraisal for the property you are | | | | might not be very efficient. Seeing the utility bills will |
| interested in. This information is often accompanied | | | | bring you insight into the home you are interested in. |
| by last year's taxes as well, giving you a fair estimate | | | | Buying a home is both an exciting and scary process. |
| on the taxes you can expect to pay. | | | | Go in with your eyes open, armed with information, |
| Examine the yard! | | | | and you can make an informed decision. Intuition is a |
| Take a walk around the yard and view the property | | | | great gift, use it wisely! |
| from all angles. Does the land slope away from or | | | | |