Homeowner hazards to avoid
There’s more to owning a home than touring options, signing documents and moving in. Don’t fall for these common first-time homeowner risks:
- – Missing the house inspection – You should always have a potential house inspected by a professional. A second pair of eyes will help you look for things you might’ve missed when initially looking at a property.
- – Not researching the neighborhood – Neighbors (people and other communities such as schools or churches), commute time and noise levels are all important factors to weigh when purchasing a home. Try to drive by a home during your commute to and from work to judge these for yourself.
- – Failing to prioritize projects – If you like a house for its charm but not its carpet, be sure you know your home improvement skills, savvy and budget before taking on a home with too many projects.
- – Misjudging budget and needs – Don’t fall for the most expensive house on the block, because you may not be able to afford it or use all of the square footage effectively. Always get pre-approved from a lender before house hunting, and go into the process realistically with what you’re looking for in a house listed before you begin looking.
Information from Familyhandyman.com