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TIPS FOR THE NEW HOME BUYER
Filed Under:
Catskill Real Estate Home Ownership
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Upstate New York Realtors
Written By: d. biddle
Buying a home carries with it great responsibilities and the burden
of choice. A home is not only a place to rest your head but an
investment in your future. When you have saved your hard earned money
and you are getting ready to make the leap, there are some things you
will want to consider.
The first thing you will want to consider is the location. As
the old adage goes, “location is everything.” It is good to research
the neighborhoods you are considering. If you have children, you will
want to see and understand the rankings of the local school system. If
you are planning on using public transportation to go to work, you will
want learn how frequently the bus or train travels to your area as well
as how close a terminal is to your house.
If you are working in a big city like New York, you may want to
consider buying a home outside of the city. Many people are finding
that they would rather buy a home in one of the surrounding areas and
rent an apartment in the city. You may much prefer buying a home in the
upstate New York area, something like Sullivan County homes,
where you can enjoy the majesty of the region on the weekends and spend
time gardening rather than investing your time and money into a condo,
where you have to answer to other condo owners and the condominium
management. A piece of Catskill real estate
allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and really
relax, usually at a fraction of the cost of buying property in the
city.
One should also be careful when selecting a real estate agent.
Research your agent and make sure you can trust them. You want to find
a person or company that puts your needs over their financial
objectives and really listens to you and understand your hopes and
needs. This is especially important if you are working over a distance,
such as when you are looking at upstate New York real estate but live in the city.
Ask questions about the yearly property taxes. If you live outside a
larger city, your property taxes will most likely be much less than if
you own property in the city. Research the area and verify that your
agent is being completely forthright with you regarding property taxes;
some agents have silver tongues and you discover after you have moved
in that the taxes are outrageous.
When you are examining a property, make sure that you
thoroughly look the structure over. Look for leaks and seepage, unusual
settlement or sagging floors, doors or windows that do not close
properly, and non-working electrical outlets. It is always recommended
to hire your own property inspector to appraise the home before you
buy.
A good idea is to meet with someone who is very familiar with home
buying and generate a list of things you want and things you do not
want. Furthermore, put asterisks next to things on which you would be
willing to compromise. For example, if you want a house with a front
and back porch, but would sacrifice a back porch if you could have a
garden, mark it down. It is always good having these notes next to you
when you feel overwhelmed by choices.
Remember, your house is your kingdom, so take time and choose wisely when you are shopping for a the castle of your future.
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