Things to Consider Before Buying a Home

Shea Spaces in Gilbert, Arizona - New Homes for SaleIt’s still a good time to purchase a new home. Mortgage rates remain low, homes are affordable and there are sizable tax credits available for first-time and existing homeowner buyers. The reason I bring this up – that pesky little home buyer tax credit is set to expire in just under 50 days, and I don’t know that they’ll extend it for a second time. Talk with an agent in your area, they’ll know if it’s a good time for you to buy.

For those of you looking for a new home, I recommend only buying if you have a stable job, discretionary income, a healthy down payment and enough patience to stay put for a bit. Besides that, you may find some of the tips below worth consideration.

Never purchase a home without resale value in mind. Whether you plan to live in the house forever or sell after a few years, you should always make your purchase based on factors that will ensure the highest resale value. One popular way to make a “safe purchase” is to buy a home in a high quality neighborhood. These neighborhoods are often located near highly rated schools, good public transportation and nice parks with an abundance of recreational amenities; they’re also situated near commercial centers with shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities. It’s common for buyers to decide on a community before a home; in Arizona, Power Ranch, Agritopia, Tartesso, Morrison Ranch, Marley Park, Sonoran Foothills, Fulton Ranch and Las Sendas are well known communities that people want to live-in. Be ware, foreclosures can tear a community apart, that bank owned home may end up being worth what you paid for it.

Don’t be put off by highly motivated sellers – it should be just the opposite. Sellers who are under pressure to sell their property are prepared to give you the best deal. There’s no shortage of motivated sellers in high quality neighborhoods, or home builders with attractive incentives on quick move-in homes. Your real estate agent knows how to find motivated sellers, if you’re able to move immediately, you’ll get the most value if a seller is motivated.

When possible, try to purchase a conventional style home. An example of an unconventional home would be a home shaped like a dome or a home built mostly underground. By staying with a conventional home you increase the likelihood that your home will retain and increase in value along with surrounding homes. In addition, a traditional home will have the most potential home buyers when it comes time to put your home back on the market.

Unless your real estate savvy, don’t purchase a home without professional consultation. A real estate agent will help ensure that your home is a good investment, and sometimes, a real estate agent saves you from overlooking a hidden gem. It’s a big deal, get some advice.

See Also:
2010 Guide to Buying a Home
New Home Checklist


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I am a Managing Partner, Internet Marketer and Blogger at New Homes Section. Follow me on Twitter or check out some articles I've submitted elsewhere online.