Home Buying: Changing Address Checklist
Written by V. Cari
Buying & Selling A Home
When moving there are so many people that you have to inform of your new address. And you can`t forget the important things such as clothes at the cleaners, things stored away in safety deposit boxes. Here is a checklist to help you remember all of the important things that must be done before you move:
Buying & Selling A Home
You could find your dream home but if the area is not what you want then you will probably never be content in your new home. It is crucial that you find the right area before you even think about looking for a home. There are a lot of things to take into consideration when choosing an area such as crime, neighbors etc. Here are a list of things that you should find out about before opting for an area:
Real Estate Agents: Dos & Don’ts
Written by V. Cari
Buying & Selling A Home
When you are selling through a real estate agent remember that they have your best interest at heart. After all if your house doesn`t sell they don`t get their commission. Here are some pointers on do`s and don`ts with regards to conducting business with your real estate agent:
DO try to build a relationship with the agent. It can work wonders and you will find that you are getting honest feedback about the marketing of your home.
Buying & Selling A Home
Finding the right real estate agent is crucial if you want to sell your house for the best price and in the shortest time possible. A property that stays on the market for a long time can give the impression that there is either something wrong with it or that it is overpriced. Any delays selling your own home can mean you miss out on your next dream home because someone else is in a better position to move quickly.
Don’t bother physically looking at properties if you are not ready to buy. It is a waste of your time, the owners’ time and the agents’ time.
Buying & Selling A Home
How much can you afford?
Before taking out a mortgage you need to make sure that you can afford the mortgage payments and associated costs. Talk to your mortgage lender they will help you to work out how much you can afford to borrow. This amount will be worked out by your income.
Generally, your monthly mortgage repayment should not be more than half your monthly income after tax. You can usually borrow up to three times the amount of your annual salary. Don’t forget other costs, legal, valuation and survey fees, removal costs etc.
Buying & Selling A Home
We can all dream can`t we? Here is a wish list for you to print off for what type of property you are looking for. Don`t make your expectations too high because if you can`t find it then you will only be disappointed. But do take your time and don`t just settle for anything. You could print a few off and give them to real estate agents so that they will know exactly what you are looking for and wont waste your time offering you the wrong type. We have also prepared an inspection checklist for you to take with you when going to view a property. Good luck in finding your dream home!
Buying & Selling A Home
Use this checklist to itemize what you will include when you sell your house. You can print a few copies to give prospective buyers. There is some left blank so that you can fill in yourself:
Buying & Selling A Home
If your house has been on the market for a number of months, you may well have to consider lowering your asking price. Maybe you over priced, or it may be that the market conditions quickly changed. Whatever the reason for the lack of interested buyers, you are faced with three options:
1. Sit it out
Buyers tend to get more and more wary of properties that have been on the market for some time and the longer it stays unsold, the worse this effect is going to become. Sometimes it pays to be patient but if you are in a hurry to sell you should lower the price. Or if you have been trying to sell it on your own it might be time to get the professionals in.
Buying & Selling A Home
Before setting your sights on the beautiful carpets or fitted units make sure that they are included in the price or that you can buy them separately. Use this Inventory checklist and tick off what is include or what you can buy from the owner. Get the seller to sign this before you decide whether or not you want to buy it.
Buying & Selling A Home
You should always get the professionals in to evaluate the structure of the house before you buy. Here are a few things that you can check yourself and then you`ll know if you need the professionals in:
What condition are the foundation, floors, walls and concrete in?
- Good
- Could do with a bit of work
- Poor
Make sure there’s no evidence of water seepage or dampness.
