Holiday House Hunting

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If you’re house hunting during this busy holiday season you have a couple of things working to your definite advantage.  First, there aren’t too many people house hunting, so with less competition you may in for a good deal.  Additionally, home prices in December are typically lower than any other month, while interest rates are at their lowest.  Sellers who keep their homes on the market over the holidays are usually motivated sellers who are willing to negotiate on all reasonable offers.  Finally, if you close on a home before the end of the year you can deduct any mortgage interest and closing costs on your taxes.  So, if you’re in the market for a new home, it might be to your advantage to make time for your hunt during this busy season.

Looking to buy or sell a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval

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It’s a good idea to be pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin house hunting.  In fact, many realtors won’t even work with you until you’ve gone through this process.  There is a bit of confusion out there though, about the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval.  Many times these terms are used interchangeably, but they are, indeed, different.  Pre-qualification is basically a letter from a loan officer saying how much they believe you will be able to borrow based on your income, debt, work history, etc.  Pre-qualification is given without pulling credit scores, and is a “good faith estimate.”  However, even if you are pre-qualified you can still have trouble with your financing, since nothing about a pre-qualification is guaranteed.

Pre-approval takes everything a step further and involves pulling your credit report (which typically involves a small, non-refundable fee).  This process involves a lot more paper work, but shows that the bank is ready to work with you should you find a home that you love.  It is important to note that pre-approval does not guarantee a mortgage, but it does guarantee that the bank is ready and willing to work with you which shows that you are a serious buyer.
Many realtors will work with you if you are pre-qualified, but it is really in your best interest as a buyer to be pre-approved before you start the house hunting process.  It is heart breaking to fall in love with a home and then find out that it is way over your budget when you try to finance it.  When you’re ready to start house hunting, shop around for a mortgage and find a broker that you like and trust.  Once you have your pre-approval letter it shows your agent and the sellers that you are a serious buyer worth working with.

Thinking of buying of selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Mistakes That Many Home Buyers Make

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Buying a home can be stressful and time consuming.  The right agent can make your home search less painful, but it can still be quite a process.  There are a few common mistakes that many home buyers make that can make the process more painful than it has to be.  The first, extremely common mistake that buyers make is failing to see the potential in the homes they view.  While it is important for buyers to see both the positive and negative aspects of each home they visit, passing on a home that is otherwise perfect just because the walls are an ugly color or the carpets are dated is a common mistake that can be avoided.

Another common mistake is getting so caught up in the moment or in the charm of a particular home or location that buyers forget that they need three bedrooms instead of two or need more need an eat-in kitchen versus a dining room.  Compromise is a natural part of the home search, but compromising on a “deal breaker” because a buyer is caught up in the moment is a huge mistake.  To that end, I located this awesome home buyer’s chart put out by HUD that can help buyers rate each home they see and keep the important things organized in several different categories.  Of course, having a great agent makes these mistakes and others much less common.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates – 302-644-2266.

Things You Should Always Ask Your Agent

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If you’re thinking of buying a home, here are five questions you should always ask your agent:

1.  Do you know a great _____________________.
Fill in the blank here with your desired expert.  Your agent should be able to refer you to a good mortgage broker and inspector for sure, but also painters, plumbers, electricians, structural engineers, and any other expert you may need or desire to work with during the home buying process.  Your agent should be a local expert, who will be able to guide you to other local professionals that can get the job done well.  In addition, professionals who often get referrals from your agent will usually treat you better than someone you found on your own because they want to continue getting business referrals from your agent!

2.  What should I expect?/What happens next?
These are questions you should ask continually throughout the home buying process, starting with your very first interview with your agent.  Your agent should be able to help you manage your expectations and guide you from the very beginning of the process until you’ve officially closed and have the keys in your hand!

3.  What are the possibilities here?
Again, you will probably ask this question more than once during your home buying process!  There’s really never a bad time to ask this questions, but particularly good examples would be when you are looking at a home that has a bonus room, unfinished basement, etc.  Your agent should have seen enough home to know what kind of realistic suggestions can be offered for the space.  Another great example would be in your home inspection turns up issues.  Asking your agent what the possibilities are opens up the opportunity for you to discuss requesting repairs, lowering your offer, etc. with an expert who can walk you through it.  My final example would be when it comes time to make an offer, asking about the possibilities gives your agent a chance to walk you through the various contract terms that you may or may not have thought of left to your own devices.  With these examples in mind, I’m sure you can come up with plenty of your own examples when asking this question would be perfect, so use it liberally throughout your home buying process!

4.  What do I need to know about this area?
When it comes to home buying each area is very different.  Again, your agent should be a local expert, so they should be able to guide you and help you with the ins and outs of the local you are considering.

5.  What else should I ask?/What else do I need to know?
This question relies on your agent to be your expert (which, they definitely should be!) and allows them the chance to share with you their extensive knowledge without relying on you to ask every single question.  Remember, your agent has gone through the buying process way more times than you have, so even if you are the type to ask a million questions, be sure to throw this one in there as well, because your agent definitely has expertise that you can and should rely on!

If you’re looking for an agent who can answer all of these questions and more, call us at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Down Payment Advice

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It’s always best to put 20% (or more) down on a mortgage when you are buying a home.  The main reason for this is so that you can avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) payments.  PMI costs you a percentage of your mortgage depending on how close your down payment was to 20%.  At first glance it might not sound like much, but over the course of a year PMI could cost you between $500-1500 or more depending on the sale price of your home and how much you put down.  In addition to saving on PMI, putting 20% down can help you negotiate better loan terms and rates.  Without putting a sizable down payment into your mortgage you will not be building equity in your home for a long time.  If you can’t save 20%, saving as much as possible is definitely the best route.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Are You Ready To Buy A Retirement Home?

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Retirement often means moving.  After retiring, many people wish to move to a smaller home or a home that requires less maintenance.  Others finally have an excuse to move to their dream location after years of being stuck in a certain area because of their job.  Still others choose to make a vacation home their full-time residence.  There are many reasons to choose a purchase a home to retire to, but moving can be tricky and it can be difficult to feel like you’ve made the “right” decision when it comes to a retirement home.  Here are some tips that might help make the decision easier.

“Active Adult Community” vs. Traditional Community
They can be called active adult communities, 55+ communities, or a myriad of other things, but the truth is that these types of communities can be a great option.  If you are interested in having a lot of recreational and social activities to choose from then an active adult community might be for you.  These communities usually offer golf, tennis, swimming, and/or other recreational activities for a monthly fee.  This fee is usually a fraction of what it would cost you to pay for all of the individual amenities yourself.  When you are trying to decide whether or not to look at 55+ communities or purchase a home in a more traditional community seriously consider how often you think you will use amenities such as tennis courts, a swimming pool, or a clubhouse.  If the answer is “not often” then it might be worth it for you to live in a more traditional community and pay a-la-carte for the things you desire, such as someone to mow the lawn or take care of snow removal.

Location
Make a list of all the things that are most important then look for a home that is located near all of the amenities.  This list might include the beach, quality healthcare, shopping, golf, restaurants, and much more… whatever is on your list, do your best to find a home that is in the vicinity of your top choices.

Amenities
If you choose an active adult community the amenities should be part of your consideration, but don’t forget to consider amenities if you choose a more traditional path as well.  Is it important for you to have a garden?  Do you dream of sitting on a porch in the evenings?  Do you plan to host large family dinners? Consider what is most important to you and look for a home with these amenities or the ability to add these amenities easily and within your budget.

Monthly Upkeep
When you are determining where to buy a home be sure to factor in the “hidden” costs of ownership.  For example, how much will it cost you monthly to have someone mow your lawn and keep up with the yard maintenance when the time comes that you no longer want to do it yourself?  If you choose an active adult community, be sure you know what the monthly fees are, what they cover, and when they were last raised and by how much.

Safety and Layout
Not only do you want a house in a safe and secure neighborhood, but you also want to consider the future.  If there comes a time in the very far future when you need a wheelchair or other medical equipment, will the home you choose be able to accommodate you.  These are things that nobody wants to think of when they retire and have plenty of life left in them, but the time to plan for these things is before they happen to you.

Cost
Everyone’s goal should be to retire debt-free, so the overall cost of your home is, of course, something to keep in mind.  Be sure you can afford your home.  Just think of the freedom you will have in retirement if you are living mortgage-free!

Above all, when considering where you will live after retiring, be sure to evaluate and consider both your current desires as well as your long-term needs.  And, of course, hire a real estate agent to help you through the process!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

3 Ways To Organize Your House Hunt

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If you’re looking to buy, you know that after looking at house after house, things start to run together in your memory.  Here are a few hints to help you stay organized.

1.  Take Notes.  Snapping some pictures on your phone (or bringing a camera along) won’t hurt either.  Carry a notebook with you and dedicate a sheet to each page you see.  Write the address of the property at the top and then fill the page(s) with any notes to help you distinguish the home in your memory later.  Include in your notes any questions you have about the property. Which leads me to number two…

2.  Ask Questions.  Ask any and all questions that come to mind while you’re at the property.  If you have a good realtor, he or she should be able to answer many on the spot.  Jot these answers in your notes.  If your realtor doesn’t know the answer, they can check on it and get back to you, so write the questions in your notes if you’re waiting for answers. (See number one!)

3.  Know Your Priorities.  Prioritize your wish list and know your priorities.  If you know that you need four bedrooms, don’t waste your time looking at three bedroom houses.  If a large yard is a deal breaker, then skip the homes that don’t fit your criteria.  Most importantly, know what’s most important to you – price or location.  If you’re lucky you’ll find your dream home in both your price range and your desired location, but many times one or the other has to bend a bit to fit your needs, so be clear before you go in on which one you’re willing to flex if necessary.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

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If you’re looking to buy a home there are some common mistakes that you should avoid at all costs.  The first is passing up homes that can be easily fixed.  If a home is in your desired location keep in mind that cosmetic issues can often be easily fixed for a relatively small amount of money.  Of course, a home that needs an entire new kitchen might not be worth your time and money, but a home that just needs a facelift, a coat of paint, or new carpeting can be well worth your time and money.  Another thing to consider is the total cost of homeownership.  Many homeowners forget to factor in the cost of home maintenance which is, on average, 1 to 3 percent of the full purchase price of the home, annually.  When you are buying a home, a good realtor can lead you away from the most common mistakes and more, so the best protection is a realtor you can trust!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

Housing Numbers To Consider

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When you are looking for house, whether it is to rent or to buy, there is always math to consider.  The first number that is important regardless of whether you’re going to rent or buy your credit score is vastly important.  If you have stellar credit, such as a score over 740, use it to your advantage to negotiate a better rate for yourself.  Mortgage rates are another important number if you’re looking to buy a home.  For every one percent that a mortgage rate increases, a home becomes twelve percent more expensive for buyers, so locking in the lowest possible interest rate you can is in your definite best interest as a buyer.  Finally, if you’re thinking of buying consider the total cost of home ownership which includes your mortgage, insurance and taxes.  The best rule of thumb is not to let the total cost of home ownership exceed twenty-five percent of your monthly income.  A good realtor can help you crunch these numbers and find the best fit for your family.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

Why You Might Want to Wait

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With mortgage rates rising, home prices bouncing back, and the housing market showing signs of recovery you might be anxious to jump in and buy a home now, while the getting is still good.  But, just because it’s a good time to buy a home in general does not mean it is a good time for you to buy a home.  Before jumping in, consider whether or not making this huge purchase now is truly in your best interest.  One reason you may want to hold off is because inventory is tight in many markets which means that you may not find the right home for you.  Buying a home that doesn’t suit your needs now will just leave you looking to sell and buy again in a few years.  Holding off until you can find what you actually need is a better financial decision in the long-run.

Real estate is intended to be a long term investment so whether or not you get in at the “right” time isn’t the most important thing to focus on.  Making the right choice for your family is more than just buying when the math seems best, it is choosing the best home for your family and buying when the time is right for you.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

 

How To Get A Good Deal On A Home

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If you’re looking for a great “deal” on a home it can be possible to find one if you know where to look.  These deals are not as easy to find as they once were, but if you’re willing to do the work, they can be found.  Your best bet is to start by looking for homes that are overpriced, leaving them on the market for a lengthy period of time playing “catch up” while other similar homes in the right price range are “flying off the shelves,” so to speak.

Another, possibly easier way to find a good deal is to search out homes that don’t show well.  For example, homes that are cluttered, cosmetically outdated, or smell like smoke or animals can sit for months on the market.  If you’re willing to put a few weeks of work and can afford to put some money into the home, you can get a great deal and a good deal of equity in your home from the get-go.

If you see homes that sit on the market and become “stale listings” as opportunities rather than problems, you can walk away with the deal you are looking for.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

Tips for Buying, Selling, and Moving

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Often times when people buy a home they are simultaneously trying to sell their previous one.  If this describes your situation there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself.

First of all, discuss your emotional expectations.  You can expect to be stressed, busy, worried about finances or timing or both, and generally just really stressed!  Buying and selling a home are both stressful experiences.  Discuss these expectations with your spouse or significant other if they are involved in the home buying/selling process and protect yourself and your relationships from suffering from what I like to call “stress bombs.”

Secondly, discuss your practical expectations.  Meet with your agent early and discuss your home’s worth, comparables, and tips for staging your home for showing as well as your wish list and expectations for your new home.  The earlier you meet with your agent the more prepared you (and he or she) can be, and preparation can only be a good thing!

You also need to do the math.  After discussing everything with your realtor you need to get a good handle on your finances so that you can move forward.  Meeting with a mortgage broker or a lender to get preapproved also helps.

Finally, make a plan.  Are you going to buy and sell with contingencies in place so that you can move from one place to another?  Are you going to sell, move into temporary housing, and then purchase?  Are you going to buy first and rent your home out in the short term and put it on the market later?  These are all valid options, and you are the only one who can make that decision.  Thinking everything through before making your first move can only be beneficial to you, so I encourage you to do so!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Understanding Contingencies

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Whether you are buying or selling a home, you will most likely have to deal with contingencies during contract negotiation.  Contingencies are conditions placed on the contract that, if not met, allow the buyer to either back out of the deal.  Of course in the case of an unmet contingency, buyer & seller can always renegotiate, if they would prefer.  If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home contingencies may seem a little overwhelming, so here’s some help explaining some of the most common:

  • Contingent on appraisal means that the home must be appraised and its appraised value must meet or exceed the offer price on the contract.
  • Contingent on inspection means that the house must pass any professional inspections that the buyer desires.  In addition to a general home inspection, this might also include specific inspections such as structural engineering, termites/pests, radon, mold, electrical, plumbing, roof, etc.  If any inspections turn up any problems that could be potential problems for the buyer or problems that would impact the price of the home the buyer may wish to renegotiate or to back out altogether.
  • Contingent on financing means that the buyer must secure a loan for the specified amount of the offer price.
  • Contingent on repairs means that the seller must repair any evident issues or issued turned up by the home inspection up to the agreed upon amount.
  • Contingent on closing costs means that the seller must pay the specified amount (up to 100%) of the closing costs.

There are many other contingencies that can be written into real estate contracts, but these are just some of the most common.

For help through the whole buying or selling process, including help through any and all possible contingencies, give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Home Inspection Help

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After you’ve found your dream home and had your offer accepted it is time to hire a home inspector.  Home inspection isn’t a step of a home transaction that you want to skimp on, so for your peace of mind and to save potential trouble be sure to find the right home inspector.  To find a trustworthy home inspector you should start by asking your real estate agent, friends and family for recommendations.  Once you have a list check the qualifications and references of the recommended inspectors and narrow down your list.  At that point you can ask inspectors to see a sample inspection report or checklist so that you can insure that hiring the inspector will turn up a thorough inspection with explanations and not just a simple checklist.  Additionally, it would be beneficial for you to hire an inspector who has membership in a national or state association of home inspectors.  Home inspectors can easily make errors or overlook problems so ask the inspector for his or her company’s policy in such situations.  Ask questions such as whether the company has insurance for errors or omissions, whether it is the company or the individual inspector who stands behind the report and whether or not there is a guarantee and if so, how long it lasts for.  Finally, ask the inspector whether or not you are allowed to be present during the inspection.  Walking along with the inspector can teach you a lot about your property and give you a great idea of the types of issues you might deal with in the future.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

Contingencies in a Real Estate Contract

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Whether you are buying or selling a home, you will most likely have to deal with contingencies during contract negotiation.  Contingencies are conditions placed on the contract that, if not met, allow the buyer to either back out of the deal.  Of course in the case of an unmet contingency, buyer & seller can always renegotiate, if they would prefer.  If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home contingencies may seem a little overwhelming, so here’s some help explaining some of the most common:

  • Contingent on appraisal means that the home must be appraised and its appraised value must meet or exceed the offer price on the contract.
  • Contingent on inspection means that the house must pass any professional inspections that the buyer desires.  In addition to a general home inspection, this might also include specific inspections such as structural engineering, termites/pests, radon, mold, electrical, plumbing, roof, etc.  If any inspections turn up any problems that could be potential problems for the buyer or problems that would impact the price of the home the buyer may wish to renegotiate or to back out altogether.
  • Contingent on financing means that the buyer must secure a loan for the specified amount of the offer price.
  • Contingent on repairs means that the seller must repair any evident issues or issued turned up by the home inspection up to the agreed upon amount.
  • Contingent on closing costs means that the seller must pay the specified amount (up to 100%) of the closing costs.

There are many other contingencies that can be written into real estate contracts, but these are just some of the most common.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?   Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Five Questions To Ask Before You Buy

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If you’re trying to decide whether to keep renting or buy a home, consider the following questions:

1.  Where will you be in the next 5 years?  If you buy a home, you need to live in it long enough for it to appreciate in value.  If you end up moving, changing jobs, or anything else unexpected comes up, selling a home quickly can result in loss of money.

2.  How’s my credit?  Look into your credit and the credit of your partner if you are buying together and take steps to fix any discrepancies before applying for a mortgage.

3.  What’s the expense?  In addition to the down payment and cost of the mortgage, consider the expense of insurance and taxes, monthly upkeep and maintenance as well as any necessary repairs.

4.  What’s the market like?  Don’t just look at the current market, take into account over the past few years too.  Resist the urge to pay more than you should for a home and keep in mind that the more quickly you have equity in your home, the less of a burden it is.

5.  Plan your exit.  Decide what you will do if and when the time comes for you to move.  Keep in mind that you will not be able to sell for a profit until home values rise in your market or until you’ve lived there long enough to have equity in your home.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

Five Reasons to Buy Now

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If you’re in the market for a home, now is a great time to buy.  Here are five reasons why:

1.  Low Mortgage Rates.  It’s widely known that mortgage rates have been at all an all time low over the past year, but they are expected to creep up, by up to a full percentage point throughout this year, so buying before that happens is a great move.

2.  Prices Are Rising.  Just like mortgage rates, historically low home prices are a thing of the past.  Prices have appreciated over 5% in the past year and are expected to continue rising for the foreseeable future, making now a great time to buy.

3.  Insane Rents.  Rental homes on the market are renting for high prices that are continuing to rise.  For many people, buying now is a better financial decision than continuing to rent, and if you already own a home, renting it out if you’re ready to move could possible even net you a monthly profit.

4.  Good Inventory.  In many places, there are many homes on the market, leading to a larger selection and lower prices for buyers.

5.  Mortgage Regulations Are Changing.  Even though it can be tough to get a mortgage now, many experts believe that requirements will become even more stringent, making it even harder in the near future.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Take Advantage of Your Home Inspection

After you’ve found your dream home comes the scary part… inspection!  Home inspections are meant to educate the buyer about the home they are interested in and ultimately give them piece of mind about the decision they make.  Inspections are scary because they are not intended to uncover every nitty gritty detail about the house, so even a home that passes inspection with flying colors still might have an issue that was undetected.  Home inspectors are not always able to pinpoint specific problems, but they are trained to examine the details of a home and determine if there might be any serious underlying issues.  At the very least, a home inspector should be able to suggest that you get the expert opinion of a plumber, electrician, or other specialized contractor if they feel there might be a problem.  When the home you love is being inspected, you should keep in mind that there are many problems that are fairly easy and cost efficient to take care of – these types of issues can even be bargaining chips in your negotiations with the seller.  There are several key problems, however, that can be a matter of safety.  If your inspector reports any of the following issues, you definitely want to keep in mind that these can be very costly and time consuming to fix.  Here are the issues that might cause you to reconsider the house, or at least reconsider how much you are willing to pay for it, considering you will most likely have costly repairs to make:

  • Foundation problems
  • Roof problems
  • Structural problems
  • Moisture issues (pooled water, wet basement, moisture in crawl spaces, improper drainage, etc.)
  • Mold issues (usually caused by moisture issues)
  • Fire, carbon monoxide, and/or safety hazards
  • Electrical hazards

In addition to finding out whether or not the home is plagued with any big problems like these, you should also be sure to find out how old the roof is, how old the furnace and water heater are and the condition they are in, whether or not the routine maintenance of the house appears to have been kept up, and whether or not the home’s exterior has proper drainage, which is especially important if the home has a basement.

Thinking of buying or selling a home?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Five Signs You’re Looking At The Wrong Home

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Last week I wrote about five issues that should raise red flags in your mind if you’re looking to buy.  Here are some more:

1.  Locked Doors.  If there are any areas of a home that are off limits during your tours, be sure that you arrange to see them at some point before you put any kind of offer on the house.

2.  Missing Walls.  If there has been any major remodeling to the home keep in mind that moving walls can shift the weight of the house around, which will cause issues if load bearing walls were not properly cared for.  Be sure to check for signs that there aren’t any structural issues.

3.  Window Issues.  Check out all the windows, make sure they work and don’t stick, check to make sure that there isn’t water damage between window panes.

4.  Pests.  Check for signs of unwelcome pests – roaches, mice, termites, etc. do not make good house guests!  Look for traps, scat, and other tell tale signs that pests might be an issue.

5.  A Questionable Area.  If a home you are interested is in an area where there are lots of boarded up homes or businesses or if it’s in a neighborhood where there are many other homes for sale, ask around and find out what’s up.  If there’s a reason that so many people are leaving the area then you will want to know about it before you buy.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Five Signs You Should Step Back Before Making An Offer

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When you find a home that seems perfect for you, be sure to look carefully for potential problems before you put in an offer.  Here are a few red flags to look for:

1.  Lack of Maintenance.  If you can tell that a home hasn’t been well maintained just by looking at it, think hard about whether or not you are up for the challenge.  Chances are that in a situation like this there will be more to fix than just the cosmetic.

2.  Foundation Issues.  Comb the foundation for damage.  Look for noticeable cracks, bulges, and grading issues in the yard which could mean that water has run down the foundation.

3.  Old Wiring.  If there are outlets or switches in the home that do not function, or if the outlets are double pronged instead of triple, if any lights flicker or circuits don’t work that is all a sign that there may be wiring issues.

4.  Funky Smells.  If you smell bad smells inside or out it could be a sign that there are bigger issues.  Additionally, if you smell strong overlying scents like potpourri, candles, etc. then just keep in mind that it may be masking other not-so-nice smells.

5.  Limited Fresh Paint.  New paint is the number one way for sellers to spruce up their homes before selling, but if you only see new paint in certain areas, look for deeper issues which may be hiding under the paint, such as mildew or mold.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.