Avoid Problems When Buying a Home

Found just the right home? One in the right neighborhood, the right school district, even the right price? What's to worry, right?

Well, if you're not careful, you may find yourself doing more than just worrying if you take the home-purchasing plunge without considering a บ้าน รัชดา few other key factors. Asking the right questions -- and doing just a little hands-on research -- can help you detect and avoid potential pitfalls before you get in too deep.

For instance, you might park the car a block or two away and stroll the neighborhood. Greet the neighbors you see -- start up a conversation if you can. Are they friendly? Do they own their house or are they renters? What percentage of home-owners versus renters exists in the neighborhood? What do they have to say about the neighborhood? Are there any neighborhood "gotcha's" you don't know about?

Do you understand the tax and insurance implications of the house? Quite often, you may find taxes and insurance exceeding the monthly cost of the house!

What sort of neighborhood association restrictions exist? Don't wait till you get a neighborhood association letter telling you that basketball goals are permitted -- or that you can't park your work vehicle in your driveway.

Drive by the house at different times of the day and evening -- including rush hours. What looks like a quiet little street during the day may look quite busy in the evening if everyone is parking on the street! When everyone is leaving for work in the morning, are there driving bottlenecks? What's the best way to get to school/work from your prospective house? What alternative routes are available?

Have you checked into the surroundings around the neighborhood? Are there noisy freeways or fire stations nearby? What about older commercial areas that may drive down your property value eventually? Are the amenities -- grocery stores, shopping, dentists, doctors, schools, etc -- close, desirable, and convenient?

Even if you feel you're Mr. Fixit, be wary about walking into a situation where you already know repairs or modifications are necessary. Projects always take longer you think!

Have you checked into utility costs? These can also be quite an eye-opener -- perhaps suggesting an older, less efficient (and more costly) cooling or heating system -- or perhaps inadequate insulation?

What about "special" features of the house? That pool or garden fountain sounds great -- but have you ever had to maintain one? Can you handle the upkeep?

Take just a little time to discover potential issues before signing on the dotted line -- and you'll best ensure a purchase that you'll be satisfied with!