Questions Every
Buyer Should Ask
By Realty Times Staff
When you're in the market for a home, it seems as
if there are millions of questions to ask -- and
no doubt plenty more. As buyers we become so wrapped
up in the physical aspects of the house -- the rooms,
amenities, and structure -- that we give less attention
to quiet issues which may strongly impact our ability
to enjoy a home.
What kinds of factors will affect your quality
of life? The obvious ones are the first to come
to mind: the distance to work, the special programs
available through the local school system, and
neighborhood shopping and recreation.
Those factors, while important, may not touch
the issues specific to your situation.
Consider the thousands of families who have an
aging parent residing with them. The average age
of our population has grown older, meaning we
are living longer lives, spending longer periods
as widows and widowers, and increasingly choosing
to take up residence with our children. In such
situations, the distance from our homes to the
nearest hospital is vitally important.
Public transportation is also something we tend
to overlook in a nation of drivers. As more of
us get older, many elect not to drive, thus nearby
public transportation becomes important --especially
if buses stop frequently.
Public safety is a major issue, and proximity
to police stations, emergency medical services
and fire houses is important. Community groups
-- including homeowner associations, PTAs, and
a neighborhood crime-watch -- are also important.
No one wants to hassle with parking issues, so
what is the parking situation? What if you have
guests. Take note of any parking restrictions,
which could result in a visitor's car -- or your
car -- being towed from in front of your house.
What about trash pick-ups? Okay, this isn't a
glorious subject, but consider the alternative.
In rural areas there are often communal dumpster
zones to which residents haul trash. If the community
will pick-up from you, great. If they recycle,
better. Check for pick-up dates, if Mondays ask
how holidays are handled.
Is the area impacted by local conservation efforts?
For example, what about water supplies in the
summer? Electric power?
If you're moving to a new community you might
look forward to such recreational facilities as
clubhouses, playgrounds, exercise rooms and other
offerings. Before you sign on the dotted line,
check out the "fine print" details.
Is use free or an additional cost? Are there plans
to build a playground or other amenity next to
the property you want to purchase? Do you regard
a playground as a convenience or noisy problem?
What about that nice stand of trees behind the
lot where you want to build -- is that land being
preserved or will a zoning change allow it to
become a gas station next year?
Another issue concerns property taxes: You know
what the owners pay today, but is that what you
will pay tomorrow? Property tax rules may allow
special benefits for older citizens, veterans,
or long-time residents -- benefits which may not
apply to you.
Here's one more: That nice condo or homeowner
association you're thinking about. You know about
their assessments now, but are they planning a
"special" assessment soon? If yes, you
could be out big money (or you could make an offer
which is discounted to reflect the cost of the
special assessment).
Are there more questions to ask? You bet. But
the ones above are a good place to start.
The Realty Times
Published: February 10, 2003
www.RealtyTimes.com
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