Home Buyers Guide from Tammy Mitchell Hines & Co. Workbook for Home Buyers | Page 33

What should I think about when I’m deciding which community I want to live in? There are obviously many factors to consider when you choose a community. A few things to look for in a community are good city services, nice parks with playground facilities, convenient shopping and transportation, and a track record of sound development and good planning. As for individual neighborhoods within a city, there is no better source of information than Tammy Mitchell Hines & Co. Tammy Mitchell Hines & Co knows the communities and the people. Chances are they can help you find a neighborhood that really fits your family’s needs. Where can I get information about local schools? Again, Tammy Mitchell Hines & Co is perhaps your best source. They know where the local schools are and can provide you with valuable information about school districts, including test scores, extracurricular activities, bus services, and more. How can I find out what homes are selling for in a given neighborhood? Home sales are a matter of public record. The County Appraiser’s Office, a local residential appraiser, or the planning department for the locality, are all resources the buyer can call. All can be searched for recent sales histories, sale prices (or average sales prices), time on the market, and other listing information for sales in any given area. However, an easier way for you to get this information is to simply ask Tammy Mitchell Hines & Co. If you’re interested in a particular home, we may be able to provide you with a list of comparables—sale prices of homes in the area that are roughly the same size and age as the home you’re considering. Although there will certainly be some differences between the homes—the house next door may have an extra bedroom or the one down the block may be older than the one you’re looking at—it’s a good way to evaluate the seller’s asking price. I’d like to have a professional look at the home before I buy it. What does a home inspector do? For your own safety, and to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth in the home you choose, using a professional home inspector is highly recommended. A home inspector will check a home’s plumbing, heating and cooling, electrical systems, and look for structural problems like a damp or leaky basement. Before you sign any written offer, we will make sure that it includes an inspection clause or other language which says that your purchase obligation is contingent on the findings of a professional home inspector. Your home cannot "pass" or "fail" an inspection, and your inspector will not tell you whether he thinks the home is worth the money you are offering. The inspector’s job is to make you aware of repairs that are recommended or necessary. A seller may be willing to renegotiate a price to accommodate needed repairs, or you may decide that the home will take too much work and money. A professional inspection will help you make a clearheaded decision. Q&A Continued on next page www.CallTammy.com * 618-281-3959 * [email protected]