Checklist For Buying a House

1
Checklist For Buying a House

• Buying a house is a big financial step up. You
  may have to spend all your hard earned savings or
  seek help from your family and friends. Given
  that you will have to expend big amounts of
  money, buying a house should be well thought of.
• If, after buying you will find glitches in the
  house, such as poor drainage and mediocre
  lighting, you cannot just sell it and get your
  money back. So before you sign the contract,
  follow this checklist to makes sure that you will
  not have regrets with your purchase.

2

• Think
• Buying a house is expensive. Make every single
  penny count.
• Know the right questions to ask
• The seller and your realtor must have known each
  other and they are likely to build each others
  statements. Instead of just believing what your
  realtor says, probe more and ask questions.
• Ask them questions which will lead them to
  explain the not-so-great-side of the house. They
  are selling a high value property so they would
  like to skip divulging details such as the area
  being frequently flooded or that it has a poor
  water source.
• Positive comments are easier to share so spend
  time probing for more pressing details.
• Is it everything you want?
• When you see a beautiful house, you cant help
  but start imagining how wonderful it would be to
  live in it, right? Take a deep breath and go back
  to item number one think.
• Do you think it is the best choice? Are there
  enough bedrooms? Is there enough room for your
  cars in the garage? Does it offer easy access to
  basic facilities? If you have kids, do you think
  having a 2 storey house is safe?
• Take time to pause and think how buying the house
  will affect your current situation.

3

• Check structural details
• Whether you want to live in that house or rent it
  out to someone else, everything should be in
  tiptop condition. Check the roofing, plumbing,
  electrical wiring, insulation, fences, pavements,
  driveways and others. Try moving some of the
  upholsteries and check if the floor is dry.
• If you dont see any damage, try checking
  potential signs such as wet driveway, moulds on
  the ceilings, corners and internal walls.
• Check also for cracks on the walls and doors that
  do not close properly as these are indications of
  movement in the area.
• If you want to be sure, you may hire a
  professional inspector to do the checking for
  you. Require him to submit his findings and
  analyses to you. Consider the results while
  making your decision.

4

• Consult an attorney
• Again, refer back to item number one think.
  Lawyers arent always necessary but to be on the
  safe side, make sure that all your transactions
  will be properly documented. Check the background
  of the seller. Are they really the owners? Make
  sure that you will have a certified true copy of
  the title of the land and the property.
• And lastly, do not sign the contract until you
  are ready. Buying a house is a big step and you
  should be prepared for the other things that come
  along with the acquisition.
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