Home Buying Consultation

When we get together for our initial consultation, we will go through your list of “must haves” and “desirable” features and then dig a little deeper and go through questions like those listed below:

Location and Lifestyle

Is the surrounding neighborhood or the home itself your most important consideration?
Do you take the metro to work?
Do you want to walk to restaurants, stores and other attractions?
Is privacy important?
Are school ratings a consideration?
Do you frequently have guests and need additional bedrooms and bathrooms?
Do you entertain friends and family and need a large kitchen?
Are steps a challenge?
How long do you see yourself living in this home?

Appreciation

Another consideration is home-price appreciation. Unfortunately, appreciation is not easy to predict. In the late 1980s, the more expensive move-up housing appreciated considerably. But, during the recession that followed, smaller homes tended to hold their value better than more expensive ones. During our initial home buying consultation, we can discuss the factors affecting the current housing market.

Value and Condition

Home inspections, seller disclosure requirements, and the Magnificent Manors Team’s experience and knowledge will help you decide which properties are valued properly, and which are in a condition that is acceptable to you. Disclosure laws vary by state which we will review with you. Here is a summary of items we will be looking for when we view homes that are of interest to you:

Livability and functionality of the floor plan as it relates to your lifestyle
Parking considerations for you and for guests
Condition of appliances
Safety features
The presence of a satellite dish, carport or garage, automatic garage door opener, rain gutters, sump pump
Amenities such as a pool, hot tub, patio or deck, built-in barbeque and fire pits
Type and condition of heating and cooling system, electrical wiring, gas supply, and presence of any external power source, such as solar panels or back up batteries
The type of water heater, water supply, sewer system, or septic tank

Defects

Sellers and/or their Realtor® are required to indicate any significant known defects or malfunctions existing in the home. A checklist we will use includes interior and exterior walls, ceilings, roof, insulation, windows, fences, driveway, sidewalks, floors, doors, and foundation, as well as the electrical and plumbing systems.

Hazards and permit violations

Disclosure forms may also require sellers to note the presence of environmental hazards, walls or fences shared with adjoining landowners, any encroachments or easements, room additions or repairs made without the necessary permits or out of compliance with building codes, zoning violations, citations against the property, and lawsuits against the seller effecting the property. As your Realtor® we will help you with the due diligence on the home you are seeking to buy.

Soil and water

If disclosure forms do not mention these, we will be sure to ask about settling, sliding or soil problems, flooding or drainage problems, and any major damage resulting from earthquakes, floods or landslides.

Restrictions

Condominium sellers must reveal information about covenants, codes and restrictions, or other deed restrictions.

It’s important to note that the simple idea of disclosing defects has broadened significantly in recent years. Many jurisdictions have their own mandated disclosure forms, as do many brokers and Realtors ® . Also, the home inspection and home warranty industries have grown significantly to accommodate increased demand from cautious buyers. Be sure to ask questions about anything that remains unclear, or does not seem to be properly addressed by the forms provided to you.

Home Buying Consultation

Buying A Home