Drive To Learn

– evaluate as you drive though a community. Consider the following questions as a basis for determining your location needs:

• Where is the nearest shopping center, bus line, police station and Library?
• What schools are available and school district are you in?
• What types of homes (single family, apartments, condominiums) are in the neighborhood?
• How far apart are the homes?
• How far is it to your work?
• What community resources are available?
• Generally, where are the cars parked (driveways, garages, street)?
• Do you notice a lot of noise, traffic or pollution?
• Are the homes in good repair and the landscaping well kept?

Finding The Right Home: Keep your eyes open and your notebook in hand as you walk through a potential home. Consider the following questions as a basis for determining your needs as a homeowner:

• How long has the home been on the market?
• Why is the home being sold?
• What is the asking price of the home?
• Has the price been lowered?
• Is the price comparable to other homes in the neighborhood?
• What is the down payment required?
• Is the house structurally sound?
• Is there room enough for the present and the future?
• Do you like the floor plan of the home?
• What condition is the yard in?
• What improvements must be made?

Will the seller repair or replace any items that need repair or replacement? Think carefully about each house you see and don’t be in a hurry. Your real estate agent can point out the pros and cons of each home from a professional standpoint. Making an offer to buy a home entails many factors. You and your Sales Associate will discuss the following factors prior to putting the offer on the table:

• Amount of earnest money
• Down payment
• Price you are offering
• Details of financing
• Proposed move in date
• Proposed closing date
• Details of the sale
• How long the offer is valid

The seller will either accept the offer as presented, or make a counter offer and ask you to resubmit a proposal. When all the parties involved have agreed upon the details, initialed any revisions and signed the final agreement then an offer becomes a contract.