Things to consider when looking for a new home. Post your ideas.
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When looking to buy a new home, besides all the other necessary items to look for, go online or to the town's city hall to see if the home you're looking at is in a flood zone or near a dairy or pig farm. Some folks don't take these things into consideration before purchasing a new home & later wish they had!
By Terri H.
Also check the basement carefully and ask specifically if there are any cracks or leaks in the foundation. Check the roof and find out how old it is and if it's structurally sound. Check the window casements and make sure they are tightly sealed against the outside air. Find out how old the window are and if they are heat efficient, this saves alot of money in the long run. Check out the neighborhood and the school district. Even if you don't have kids. THese are just 2 determining factors as to whether your house will maintain it's value or will drop its value in a few years making it difficult to resell.
look on the internet and ckeck the crime rate in the area and sex offender registery. you only need the zip code for the area. you would be shocked to know what REALLY goes on around you!
OR MAKE SURE YOU'RE NOT NEAR A CHEMICAL PLANT. I WORK AT ONE AND I CAN TELL YOU THERE ARE MILLION $$ HOMES AND 2 SCHOOLS RIGHT AT US.
Also check for nearest dump and planned HWY's
We are now 1 mile from the new Toll Road. Will be done in 2 yrs.
Also visit home you plan to buy after 2 days of rain, for sitting water, sometimes not flood zones but still horrible drainage. Think mosquitos, smell, (around here - crawdads!) etc
We also learned if purchasing out of state rental property to make sure and run the location on mapquest. We were just about to put ernest money down on a beautiful home that sounded wonderful when the thought crossed my husbands mind.
Another tip is to ask a trusted friend or relative who is also a homeowner if they could change one thing about their house, what would it be. My husband asked his father this question, and he responded that it would be to buy a ranch style rather than a 2 floor home...something young/healthy or 1st time home buyers might not think to consider but could be very important as one ages.
I think you should add a few more tips. Call the police and ask a few questions about that particular area. Tell them you would like to know how often they are called to that area; is it a drug area and etc. Do they have a neighborhood watch? The people selling the house may not give you a true answer. Ask about schools. Talk to several of the neighbors. As a rule, they will be honest with you. By neighbors, I mean three or four doors away from the house as well as next door. If you feel you are not getting an honest answer, go to the local newspaper or even the local library and read the newspapers. A computer might be a good source also.
I forgot to add that you should check the growth history of the resale value market of the area you intend to buy in. Have the houses appreciated in value at a steady rate or has the area began to settle or depreciate? Will it be difficult to resell this house for a profit in a few years if you should need a new home due to a growing family?
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