06/10/2014
HOME RUN!
(How to keep your head while shopping for the perfect home)
1. MAKE A CHECKLIST--Clarify your priorities and decide on your must haves. Don’t be swayed by TV shows that make you feel you must have granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Be patient: you can always replace a refrigerator with a newer model in the future.
2. STAGED TO SELL--Don’t be suckered by staging: nicely arranged furniture, fresh flowers, the smell of freshly baked cookies. A great house with bad décor can really throw people off. It’s easy to be turned off because the walls were painted the wrong color and the seller forgot to change the cat litter. It doesn’t matter if the walls are purple; you have to get past it.
3. NEIGHBORHOOD AND MORE—On the other hand, buyers often neglect a major factor, such as the neighborhood. Your agent may know that the crime rate is low, but can’t tell you if the lady next door is a hoarder with 20 cats. Knocking on doors and introducing yourself is a critical part of buying a house. While viewing the house, take notes and—with permission—photos. Get measurements to ensure furniture will fit, but don’t reject an otherwise perfect house just because your four-piece sectional sofa won’t fit. When making an offer, understand that just because a certain feature is expensive, doesn’t mean it has resale value. The kids may love the in-ground pool, but most people will see it as something that is costly to rip out and replace.
