Buying your first home can be exciting. You’ve saved up a down payment, interest rates are at an all time low and you’ll finally be building equity and putting down some roots. While these are all positive aspects of purchasing Santa Cruz real estate, you also need to do your research and ask the right questions to avoid buyers’ remorse. Below are a few important and uncommon questions all first-time buyers should ask.
• How much did the sellers pay for it? If you’re paying considerably lower than what the current owners paid, then the home value is likely to go up. This is beneficial information if you plan to upgrade homes within the next five to ten years.
• What major repairs have been made? While a disclosure form is supposed to provide information on all past damages or renovations to the property, sometimes repairs that have been resolved don’t seem to make it in writing. So be proactive and ask pointed questions about the roof, foundation and electrical system — old problems tend to have a way of resurfacing.
• Which school district is the home in? As first-time homebuyers, you may or may not have school-age children, but it will soon be an important factor in your lives. Ask the previous owners and your Realtor about the district, it’s reputation and whether or not their children enjoyed it.
• What are we getting into with a distressed property? If you’re new to the Santa Cruz real estate market, then looking at the pricing for short sales and foreclosures can lead you to believe that they’re all a great deal. However, most come as is and with no room for negotiation. Just make sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew.
Even if you find the perfect home, don’t let your emotions get the best of you. First-time homebuyers need to be mentally prepared to ask important questions about a property’s history, structural integrity and surrounding area — and know when it might be time to step away. If you’re looking to purchase your first piece of Santa Cruz real estate, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.
For additional real estate information, please visit my home page at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.
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