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Buying Tips
Choosing Your
Prospective Home
Choosing
your prospective neighborhood
Do I need home
inspections?
When it's time to move
When shopping for a home determine if the features of
the home meet your requirements. Here are a few things that you should
consider while looking through a prospective home. Click here for a
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Good |
Fair |
Unimportant |
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. General Room
Layout |
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. Number of
Bathrooms |
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. Closets and
storage space |
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. Yard Size |
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. Size of
Kitchen |
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. Size of
Living Room |
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. Size of
Dining Room |
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. Size of
Family Room |
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. Size of
Master Bedroom |
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Size of Other
Bedrooms |
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What is your overall rating of the home? Is it
worth considering or eliminating from your list of prospective homes?
The location of a home can be just as important as the
home itself. Here are a few things you may want to consider when choosing
a neighborhood.
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Friendly Version
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Yes |
No |
Unimportant |
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Are the homes well
taken care of? |
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Are there good
public services? |
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Are there paved
roads? |
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Are there sidewalks? |
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Is there adequate
street lighting? |
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Is there adequate
parking? |
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Any pet or other
neighborhood restrictions? |
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Will you be close to
work? |
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Convenient to place
of worship? |
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Are shopping centers
and restaurants nearby? |
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Is there public transportation nearby? |
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Are child care services close by? |
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Are hospitals, clinics or doctors close by? |
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Is there a park or playground close by? |
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Will you be near friends or relatives? |
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Will you be near children of your children's
age(s)? |
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Is there an active community group? |
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Are the homes decreasing in sales price? |
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Are a lot of families moving away? |
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Is there heavy traffic or noise? |
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Is there litter or pollution? |
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Are there factories or heavy industry close by? |
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Are surrounding businesses closing down? |
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Are there many vacant houses or buildings? |
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Has crime or vandalism increased recently? |
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What is your overall rating of the neighborhood?
Is it worth considering or eliminating from your list of prospective
neighborhoods?
Real Estate Sales Company of Connecticut.
has discovered that most complaints in the real estate industry come from home
buyers after the close of escrow. Most of those complaints are about
previously undetected property conditions.
Our reputation depends
on your satisfaction...and your satisfaction can be increased with a
professional home inspection. We want you to be confident that your roof
is in good shape and understand the current condition of major systems and the
overall condition of your new home. For a small investment in a professional
inspection you'll get some peace of mind and greater enjoyment of your new home.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced homebuyer we recommend you obtain a
professional home inspection and take advantage of these benefits:
Be confident
you won't get surprised by major defects you did not bargain for.
Be informed
about the condition of the property you are buying.
Learn how
systems and fixtures work and how they should be maintained.
Receive an
expert's advice about the feasibility of making upgrades and renovations.
Understand the
construction and function of mechanical systems and safety features.
What's involved in a home
inspection? At the home buyer's expense, a home inspector conducts a
visual examination of the home you are planning to buy. He or she will
examine such things as the roof, pool, structure, interior, electrical,
plumbing, heating and air conditioning; usually spending a few hours at the
property.
Normally the home inspection is
paid by the buyer, although sometimes a seller will retain the services of an
inspector before sale negotiations begin. While a home inspection does not
guarantee that everything will remain in good working order or serve as a home
warranty, it will help to inform you whether or not everything is in good
working condition at the time of the inspection.
REMEMBER to conduct a
walk-through prior to close of escrow to confirm the property is substantially
the same as when you made the offer and any requested repairs have been
completed to your satisfaction.
Whether you move across town or across the country,
you'll face an enormous amount of details. We offer these suggestions to
help make your move easier.
Plan Ahead: Most experts recommend scheduling
moves at least one month in advance, especially between May and September.
Some estimates indicate 80 percent of all moving and storage business is done
when schools are out, so book movers early.
Ask Questions: Take the time to get as much
information as possible from moving companies before selecting one. Check
on truck size and availability. Ask about moving supplies, such as, boxes,
dollies and furniture pads. Find out about protection plans for your
possessions. Ask about lost or damaged property claim procedures.
Determine price differenced in packing the truck yourself or having it
professionally packed. Get written estimates.
Save Your Receipts: Many of your moving expenses
are tax deductible, so hang onto your receipts. Consult with your tax
advisor to find out what is deductible, or call the Internal Revenue Service and
request Publication 521; Tax Information On Moving Expenses.
Change Your Address: Your agent
will give you a change of address kit or stop by your local post
office and pick up a free change-of-address kit. The packet includes
change-of-address cards to notify magazines publishers, charge accounts, clubs,
organizations, insurance and investment companies about your move. The kit
also contains an address forwarding card for the post office.
Collect Documents: If you're moving out of the
area, you'll need to gather your family's personal records. Remember to
get your medical and dental records, tax returns, stocks and bonds certificates,
birth certificates, passports, and insurance documents. Be sure to empty
your safe deposit box.
Cancel Utilities: When you cancel your
telephone, gas, electric, garbage, water and other utilities, call and order
services for your new home. You'll be able to make telephone calls, plug in a
vacuum and do a load of laundry the minute you step into your new home.
Insurance: Make sure you have an
insurance policy for your new home prior to the closing date.
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