Update: We Put Our First Offer In!

Update: we went to see a few homes and the last one we just had the feeling that that was IT. Everything that was on our MUST HAVE list the home fit.. now just to see (since its a short sale) if the bank approves our offer.

FH and I are going out tomorrow with a realtor to look at 3-4 different houses we have seen that we are very interested in. They all have 3 or 4 bedrooms, atleast 2 full bathrooms, basement, atleast 1 car garage, one has a 2 car garage, all have kitchen, LR, DR, .. We have NO idea what kind of questions to be asking when we go there.. It will be the first home 'shopping' experience that we both have...TIA for all of your wisdom

Message edited 2/3/2009 3:05:31 PM.

Re: 1st Day Out House Shopping Tomorrow! Need Help!!

Questions will come about as you go along....especially if you find yourself very interested in the home. Ask about schools/area and why the homowners are leaving, etc. You can ask how old/new stuff is as well.

I highly recommend you take a notebook with you and take notes on each home. When you start to see more than 2-3 home in one day, and you try to remember each home...it doesn't work too well. You start to put different pieces of houses together

Good luck and don't get discouraged...it definitely takes TIME!!!

Re:

Message edited 3/6/2010 11:54:16 PM.

Re: 1st Day Out House Shopping Tomorrow! Need Help!!

Ask about where the oil tank is if you do not see it. It may be under ground. I try to avoid homes with under ground tanks.

Hit the open houses this weekend, just you and your DH. This way you can get some experience asking questions and seeing what you want and do not want in a home.

Types of questiions:

Gas or oil?

Has the elctric been updated?

How old is the roof, windows and siding?

Is there hard wood flooring under the carpet?

What are the taxes before and after star?

How long has the house been on the market?

What is the property size?

Re: 1st Day Out House Shopping Tomorrow! Need Help!!

Thanks I just wrote down all of those questions and charged my camera battery.

Re: 1st Day Out House Shopping Tomorrow! Need Help!!

Others:

Age of (if i duplicate any of the prior questions mentioned, i apologize):

Home
Heating system
windows
appliances (and are there warranties if new)
roof

Are there C/Os for all extensions / add ons.

DO TAXES REFLECT WITH or WITHOUT STAR Rebate?

Look at things around neighborhood too. are you close to main road, railroads? (bargaining power)

I suggest using the listing sheet (your realtor should give you one for each home... it has picture of house on it) and write all your notes on the back of it.

As PP said... keep detailed notes, after a while, one house becomes another one.

GOOD LUCK! i hope you find something (and while the rates are still good!)

Re: 1st Day Out House Shopping Tomorrow! Need Help!!

Also if there are multiple schools in the disctrict, find out which school the house is zoned for

Re: 1st Day Out House Shopping Tomorrow! Need Help!!

Thanks for all of the info! We Put an offer in on one today.. fingers crossed - just have to call the attorney and as it seems we have to been in contract by the 20th the realtor said (short sale)

Re: Update: We Put Our First Offer In!

Good luck with your offer!

Re: Update: We Put Our First Offer In!

YAY!!

Good Luck with everything

Re: Update: We Put Our First Offer In!

Posted by AlmostHisMrs

Thanks for all of the info! We Put an offer in on one today.. fingers crossed - just have to call the attorney and as it seems we have to been in contract by the 20th the realtor said (short sale)

Re: Update: We Put Our First Offer In!

Wow that was really fast!! Good luck!!!

Re: Update: We Put Our First Offer In!

It was one of those things - I NEEDED sewers, he NEEDED gas and we BOTH wanted a house on a cul-de-sac - all three aligned for us Now the hard part of meeting with the attorney/mortgage broker - they are all pretty good - if all goes well they will put the closing together for right after our wedding (which has been the goal all along) Thanks for all of your help

Re: Update: We Put Our First Offer In!

That is great news!! One thing about a short sale just be patient. They take a while to get everything approved.