How to Spot a Good Buy
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, particularly when it comes to buying
a
home. Features that attract one home-buyer may repel another.
However, the one feature of interest to every home- buyer is price.
Getting the most home for your money is paramount. The real problem is figuring
out whether that fixer-upper on one street is a better buy than the home
in next-to-new condition two blocks away. That’s why knowing what to
look
for before you buy can save you time, energy and money down the line.
The first step is figuring out what kind of house you need. A good
buy is
only a good buy if it meets your current and future living requirements.
Before shopping for a home, decide how much space you and your family
require.
How many bedrooms, bathrooms? Is a family room necessary? Do you need a layout that will accommodate a lot of entertaining?
Do you
prefer a spacious or compact work space in the kitchen? If you have
small
children, can the house easily be childproofed?
Evaluate the front and back yards. Is there enough space to accommodate your children? Do you want a park-like or garden setting? Do
you enjoy
yard work and gardening, or do you want a low-maintenance yard? Take into consideration the cost of extensive landscaping and upkeep.
Next, determine how much work is required to make the house you are considering livable. Make an honest assessment of your fix-it abilities. How much work are you willing to do or pay someone else to do? Do
you
have basic decorating, carpentry and plumbing skills? If you plan
to learn
as you go, make sure you have accurately determined what you are getting
into. Ask an experienced friend, family member or your real estate
agent for
their opinion, and be sure to consider how much remodeling inconvenience
the rest of the family can handle.
Unless you are ready and able to tackle a major remodel, look for a house or condominium that needs only cosmetic improvements. These include
painting, wallpapering and replacing items like flooring, window treatments,
bathroom and kitchen fixtures, light fixtures, cabinet and interior door
hardware and appliances.
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