Let’s Go Shopping!

You’ve gotten your financial house in order, chosen a REALTOR®, SampronSisters of course, studied the market, been pre-approved for a home loan, and established your personal criteria for a home and neighborhood. Now it’s time to go shopping!

Chances are you will be looking at quite a few homes during the ‘House Hunting’ process. This can become very confusing very quickly. There are so many homes you can visit. Trying to keep them “straight” will be a challenge. This is one reason SampronSisters believes in limiting the number of homes we’ll schedule for you to see each we go shopping.

Here are a few tips for making the process more manageable:

• Take some pictures of the exterior and interior of the home
• Take good notes
• Bring a spouse, family member, or friend
• Make sure the house fits into your budget. Are there any additional monthly fees such as an HOA?
• Ask about utility and maintenance costs
• Think of commuting time and costs
• Consider your monthly budget – can you afford the renovations and maintenance that you’ll need to do?
• Avoid making any ‘spur-of-the-moment’ decisions

Consider the Condition of the Home

The condition of a home can significantly impact its value. It is important that you protect your investment by knowing the condition of any home you consider buying. Surprises after you buy can be costly. While there’s no substitute for a professional home inspection, you can do your own research while looking at houses. Be observant, and ask questions. Some things to look for include:

• Cracks and shifting – Is the foundation in good shape?
• Leaks and water marks – Look around eaves and downspouts outside the house and around windows and ceilings inside the house
• Damp smells and mildew stains – Does the basement look or smell damp?
• Drafts – Is the house tightly sealed? Are there drafts coming from windows, doors, or crawl spaces?
• Condition of the roof – What is the age and condition of the roof?
• Landscaping and property issues – Does the drainage lead away from the house? Is it in good condition? Are there soggy spots on the lawn? Are the trees too close to the house? Do they encroach on any power sources? Are decks, patios, or porches in good condition?
• Plumbing – Is the water clear and odor-free? How’s the water pressure? Are there strange “knocking” or “groaning” sounds when you turn the water on?

In Colorado, most homeowners complete a “Property Disclosure” that is supplied to potential buyers if they are interested in a home. This document outlines everything the current owner knows about the property. Most homeowners are honest about any problems when trying to sell their homes, but it doesn’t hurt to ask questions and look around. So, are you ready? If so Contact Us! SampronSisters.com (Your Westridge Knolls Neighbor – Your Highlands Ranch REALTORS®) and we’ll be there to guide you through every step of the home buying process.