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Cross These Off Your List Before Making An Offer On A Home
The process of buying a home can be lengthy. You don't shop for a house as you do for a car or an appliance. Your future home is much more than an investment. It will be a safe haven for your family and where you will be spending most of your time. Before you make a bid on a home, there are a few things you should do. Being well-informed ensures you will make a knowledgeable decision. Our real estate agents can help you with the process.
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History of the house – Learn as much as you can about the history of the property you are interested in. People purchased homes and found out later that it was a historic landmark. You will also want to learn about its construction and any information you can find on prior owners.
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Figure out your finances – Know your financial situation and how much of a house you will be able to afford. Create a sustainable budget that will give you an idea of what you can afford when it comes to a down payment and monthly payments. You should also apply for a mortgage so that you already know how much you qualify for.
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Building permits – If you're looking at an older home, you may want to check with the local building inspector to find out if any building permits were ever pulled for the home you are interested in. Obtaining a copy of the abstract and original building plans may also be beneficial.
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Watch the market – Watch the real estate market closely to see what types of properties are being listed. Look through the new listings of Bergen County homes for sale. The list is updated every day, so you know which houses are new and which ones are contingent or pending.
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Compare it to similar properties – Compare the house you are interested in with similar homes in the Bergen County area. Compare price, size, acreage, and any other factors that may influence your decision to buy. Don't overlook homes that may not be interesting to you from the outside. The inside may be a pleasant surprise.
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Find out about the taxes and fees – The taxes you pay for your home may vary from area to area. Look at the tax breakdown to learn more. It's also a good idea to find out about any fees you may be responsible for during the buying process. Closing costs and transfer fees may apply.
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Insurance, utilities, and maintenance – Check out how much you will pay for your homeowners' insurance, utilities, and maintenance costs for the month, as well as for the year. These figures will need to be included in your monthly budget so you know about how much it will cost each month to pay for your new home.
When you are ready to start looking for a new home, do your homework first. This will give you a good idea of what you can afford and the types of homes you may have to choose from. Contact us today, and we will schedule a consultation to help you get started.
Corporate Headquarters
7 E Central Ave, Unit 15, Pearl River, NY 10965Phone: 800-ASK-JOYCE (800-275-5692)
