5 Tips for Buyers When Viewing Homes

So you want to buy a home! In this post, I am sharing with you five lesser-known tips every buyer should know before starting their Journey.

Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you will ever make, and using the right strategy can make or break the desired outcome, so be sure to include these five strategies when purchasing your next home.

Number One: The poker face. When inspecting a property or visiting an open house, it is super easy to voice your excitement and show visible signs of enthusiasm for parts of the house, but there's just one problem. You might think you're alone, but there's something many people forget. With cell phones, smart speakers, and ring cameras being commonplace in most properties, there's a good chance a homeowner could be eavesdropping on your conversations You could lose your advantage when they know how you feel before you even arrive at the negotiating table, so keep a poker face and your comments to yourself while touring your next home.

Number two: Inspect the neighborhood, not just the home. A home is much more than just the bricks and mortar that make it up when you buy a house, you're buying into a community take the time to explore the neighborhood, the major roads, and any available amenities, observe traffic in and around the suburb at different times, especially when commuting to work but the best reviewer of your area you want to live in is the people who actually live there already, talk to your would-be neighbors and go for a walk around the neighborhood. Speaking with anyone that you happen to run into this would give you a good sense of the community and daily life.

Number three: Do a history check on the home. Never skip the home inspection and pay special attention to big-ticket items like the AC unit, electrical wiring, appliances, roofing, and foundation issues. If these items are towards the end of their life, the price of repair or replacement should be factored into the purchase price. A history check also includes running a clue report once under contract during the inspection. This report will show previous insurance claims alerting you to pass damage and even the possibility of higher insurance premiums.

Number four: HOAs… people love or hate them, so before you sign any contract, find out if there is an HOA attached to the home and look through all the bylaws and fees, so there aren't any surprises after closing.

Last but definitely not least, go with a professional. Be sure to purchase with an agent. In most cases, it costs you nothing, and I will have ensured all the above is done for you, and so much more. I'm here to protect your best interest every step of the way.

If you or someone you know is considering making a move, please use the contact button on this website to get in touch.