Buying a house

shel90

shel90

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My husband and I are house hunting and are ready to bid due to having a prequalified loan that is good for 90 days.

Yesterday, we looked at 7 houses..was a challenge with a fussy toddler who threw temper tantrums and the heat/humidity but made it thru.

We found 4 houses that we are interested in and we need to decide by tmw which of the 4 we will put a bid on.

Just wanted to ask you all..any questions we should ask or any important FYIs? We dont want to screw up, ya know? Any feedback or suggestions would be helpful! I am SO nervous about this as I have never owned a home before. My husband said I will be responsible for all the utility bills ...I am AFRAID of the electricity bill. LOL! I am sure we can afford it all but wont have as much spending money left over for a while and we both love to do things so it will be a huge adjustment for both of us.

Thanks!
 
I have suggestions for ya. I'm a owner of 2nd house. My experience that It's best to find house that are "green". First thing of all. Check the furnace if they're up to date. Be sure it's a high efficiency unit (one look like 5 jet nozzles), Not the old rack burner. Is it insulated? Front and Back doors sealed properly?

Ask agent to be sure it's not sitting on Flood plain area. You don't want your house get flooded in future. Any house sit on hill are great BUT be sure to check around LANDSCAPING!! cuz of rain runoff sometime ended up on basment wall outside of the house.

Are the house in good condition internally and externally? Is basment in good shape (Expect few cracks on basment floor which are normal but should not be more than 3/4 inch width)? Are plumbings either Plex piped (flexible white plastic pipings) or copper (Both are excellent.) Water heater up to date?

Any electric sockets in Bathroom, Kitchen, Garage, and Outdoor protected by GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) which are the MUST have for safety. Sometime GFCI socket interconnects with regular sockets. If you see regular sockets in Bathroom, Kitchen and Outdoor. Ask seller if it's Interconnected by it and where it's GFCI located in case if it tripped. Are the house up to electricial code?

Is garage roomy, room enuf for you and ur hubby to get out of car in garage (IF you planned to buy house w/ garage, if not the disregard it). Height of garage door should be 7ft 5 or taller to fit in SUV if you have it. (Don't try parking H1 Hummer LOL). Is it enuf room to put bike, kid's riding toys, workshop in there?

Bathroom in good shape? Toliets flushes good? (If you have 'elephant poop' and see if it flush down with it :rofl: ) Are all doors in the house easily open and close and latched properly to it's strikeplate?

YOu can even ask seller what is the average electric bills. Does electric company in seller's area allow Even Payment Plan? Ask seller if you see anything "hidden" or odd around the house. DON'T be afraid.. It's ok to be picky. Don't expect Seller to fix something for you if you plan to buy the house. There are time you'll have to fix it urself if you don't like the design or appearance of the house. Don't worry about ugly or Loud colored house (seen deep purple, cobalt blue, orange, bright yellow, piiinnk houses). YOu can always paint it to nicer softer color to appeal your neighbor LOL.

LAST THING of All.. HOME ASSOCIATION FEES!! and How strict is Home Association!! YOu may find nice home that you can buy it and move in. What make you not happy sometime is HOA!! Some HOA have strict policy and neighbor snooping on your property. Some HOA are pretty flexible and friendly.

My HOA is nice and friendly. The only strict rule is the external color of the house simple!!. All I can pick the color from paint shop and make proposal to be sure it's harmony w/ neighbor's. My former HOA from my old subdivsion are really strict, No Shed, NO parking car on street more than 24hrs, Lawn must be neat!, blah blah. My neighbor called police and HOA on me just becasue my old 67 chevy (nice classic truck) parked on my driveway for more than 3 month unmoved. Police sent me ticket and it was flat tire (there's never was any flat tires!!). I got sooo :pissed: :pissed: over it. I called HOA and told them that I still use truck at NIGHT and park same spot on DAYS! and my wife is preggie and cannot park my truck in garage due to carburator produces gasoline fumes and I smell fuel in my bedroom (situated above the garage). HOA said OK OK Sorry and I'll tell neighbor shut up. Aww sheesh. That's why I moved out to newer subdivision and I'm very happy with new HOA..

Wish you luck for house hunting!
Catty
 
Yes, what purplecatty posted above is good.

Don't be afraid to ask them many questions about the houses (and personal questions, ha ha, just kidding). Watch how they react to your questions (sometime it is easy to see whether or not they are telling truth...)

What I think is very important of all is to check out about their HOA policy (if any) and and taxes (property, county, city, etc). I have seen where some first-time buyers didn't bother to check out about HOA and taxes before buying the houses. :eek3:
 
HOA fees varies because they use that to pay for trash, groundkeeping at entry or parks, Events, ect.. Some have community swimming pools, clubhouse, or both which cost lot more on HOA fees. Owners are responsible to pay HOA fees FAITHFULLY or else they'll get sued by HOA.

HOA have advantage and disadvantage. I pay about $350 a year for HOA and it pays for trash, groundkeeping at parks, Playground equiptment maintenance at park, Events and maintain water fountains on several ponds.

My former subdivision HOA, I paid $199 a year for same thing except for water fountains at ponds (have no ponds there LOL)

I learned that Subdivision HOA that have Community swimming pools, clubhouse or both charges $600 or more a year. They will have to hire pool tech to take care of pools, Hire a lifeguard, Maintaining excercise and entertainment equiptment in Clubhouse ect...

SOME HOA allow you to split into 6 month payment if it's easier for your budget.

Fees sometime vary on size of subdivisions w/o community swimming pool, clubhouse or both. Smaller subdivison can cost more than larger subdivision. HOA break even on yearly Fees depends on how many houses in subdivision...

So before you decide purchase the house. Make sure that you read HOA policy what they allow or disallow. And ask anyone that you knew very well living in same subdivision how HOA fare. Cuz HOA can make or break you. HOA can use money that owners pay yearly to hire lawyer to sue dequilent owner.

Taxes, Check with County appraiser. Ask your Agent to dig in more information about it. Be sure you are able to afford taxes. Most of the time Bank include Property taxes on your monthly mortage payments which is easier. BUT on the end of year, sometime County owe you money, other time you owe them money. It's not much tho. There are few cases that if you live in small town that suddenly booms to meduim town and Property tax can double and hurts you. Happens in Olathe, KS. Deaf owner own $60k house (cute little 30 years old 2 bedroom house w/ average size yard) usually pays about $600 to $800 a year for Property tax then in 2001 or 2002, City of Olathe exploded in population and they doubled the property tax rate. Deaf couple ended up paying $2000 a year which eat their income. Fortunately, their parent helped them out. On Meduim sized city, it tend to be stable. Living out of city in rural area tend to be cheap on property tax. State of Alabama have Property Tax exemption for Deaf and Handicapped owner!! Dang lucky of them that don't have to pay a penny on Property tax. I hear that years ago but I dunno right now. Ask the appraiser if there is a Property Tax exemption for deaf owner. So it'll be good idea to find out.

Catty
 
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We live in the country and do not and would not deal with a HOA. The advice of those who have and do sounds good.

The only thing I would add is make sure there is an independant licensed inspection done and a guarantee if you find something wrong.
You and your DH go through alone and check small stuff, like if there is carpet where there are water lines (bathroom,kitchen) why? Look around toilet connection to the floor does it look like water stains, does it feel mushy? that indicates water leaks being covered up and so on.

It's your money and you may live there a long time. It should be right when you buy :)

Watch how they react to your questions (sometime it is easy to see whether or not they are telling truth...)
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Brian hit it right, if you feel like they are not telling the whole truth they probably are not - trust your feeling.

Good Luck :twothumbsup:
 
Liebling:-))) said:
We share feedback and advise in GA´s thread before she was plan to buy a house last year.

I hope those link will helps.

http://www.alldeaf.com/general-chat/29356-vent-roller-coaster-emotions.html

My first advise to her about buy a house or property in 2nd pages of GA´s thread.

http://www.alldeaf.com/551213-post34.html
Click to expand...

My house is new. It's nice not to have much maintenace around the new home. Some materials don't last long so I replaced it with better quality tho. But still I have some work like finishing the basment..

. BUT there can be a "lemon" new homes. Be sure to find out the reputation of the builders. Some had poor quality materials or lousy constructions. I happen to read newspaper about Nottingham Estate in Leawood, KS. Several new and recently built $450k to $600k homes in very upscale subdivision collasped due to ground shift after few days of heavy rain. Owner who had bought the house got stuck with big 30 years payments and no way to get out of it. Insurance won't cover it. Cuz it was engineered hill w/ 30ft pylons under ground (sits on bedrock deep in the ground) to support the big house. Also same area, lousy roofing system sickens family that mold and mildews grew behind the walls. And their HOA is like a Martial Law! Horrid!!(They filed lawsuit against Playground equiptment installer cuz the slide was orange in color!! Aw Sheesh C'mon Nit picker!) Lot of rich people complained about that LOL. Make me laugh about it cuz they're too busy to inspect house and learn of quality ect.. Sorry about them tho.

Hope you can be careful when purchasing new house if you plan to.

Good Luck
Catty
 
purplecatty said:
My house is new. It's nice not to have much maintenace around the new home. Some materials don't last long so I replaced it with better quality tho. But still I have some work like finishing the basment..

. BUT there can be a "lemon" new homes. Be sure to find out the reputation of the builders. Some had poor quality materials or lousy constructions. I happen to read newspaper about Nottingham Estate in Leawood, KS. Several new and recently built $450k to $600k homes in very upscale subdivision collasped due to ground shift after few days of heavy rain. Owner who had bought the house got stuck with big 30 years payments and no way to get out of it. Insurance won't cover it. Cuz it was engineered hill w/ 30ft pylons under ground (sits on bedrock deep in the ground) to support the big house. Also same area, lousy roofing system sickens family that mold and mildews grew behind the walls. And their HOA is like a Martial Law! Horrid!!(They filed lawsuit against Playground equiptment installer cuz the slide was orange in color!! Aw Sheesh C'mon Nit picker!) Lot of rich people complained about that LOL. Make me laugh about it cuz they're too busy to inspect house and learn of quality ect.. Sorry about them tho.

Hope you can be careful when purchasing new house if you plan to.

Good Luck
Catty
Click to expand...


Yeah, we bought a land to build our wish house with our own design in 1988 and extend winter garden and porch in 1999. We still live those same house since 1989.

Demand the property owner for the proof of the house quality due Inspector. If the property owner don´t have any proof then they have to hire Inspector to inspect their house for the proof before sell their house to someone else.

When I were Shel90, I would demand the proof either the house is good quality or not... I can demand the proof of Inspector´s confirmation paper...
 
Liebling:-))) said:
Yeah, we bought a land to build our wish house with our own design in 1988 and extend winter garden and porch in 1999. We still live those same house since 1989.

Demand the property owner for the proof of the house quality due Inspector. If the property owner don´t have any proof then they have to hire Inspector to inspect their house for the proof before sell their house to someone else.

When I were Shel90, I would demand the proof either the house is good quality or not... I can demand the proof of Inspector´s confirmation paper...
Click to expand...

Yes, it is correct. Exception.. (happens to me when I sold my first home to new owner). If Buyer decide to pay in full with "Cash".. Which is Money Order, there will be NO inspection on my house, that's the fact!!. (No wonder why I have been waiting for buyer to hire inspection and never happened!?) Since paid in Cash, Owner is left to have "As Is" house. I was very lucky... It's very rare among homeowner who sold the house to new owner who pay in cash....


My first house too was built from ground and up and 2nd home was already built but was a model for 1 year before we bought it. We're the first owner on both houses. It's kinda cheaper to buy new home than old one. :thumb: :cool2:

Catty
 
Shel, if you can get a one year Homeowner's policy...we have that here in CA...what it is is that the seller puts up a one year policy/guarantee that all major things about the house are in good working order......
 
Tousi said:
Shel, if you can get a one year Homeowner's policy...we have that here in CA...what it is is that the seller puts up a one year policy/guarantee that all major things about the house are in good working order......
Click to expand...

Ohhh..ok I will ask the realtor about that. We have decided on one house and will make our offer either tonight or tmw..

Thanks everyone for the tips..I learned a lot!
 
purplecatty said:
HOA fees varies because they use that to pay for trash, groundkeeping at entry or parks, Events, ect.. Some have community swimming pools, clubhouse, or both which cost lot more on HOA fees. Owners are responsible to pay HOA fees FAITHFULLY or else they'll get sued by HOA.

HOA have advantage and disadvantage. I pay about $350 a year for HOA and it pays for trash, groundkeeping at parks, Playground equiptment maintenance at park, Events and maintain water fountains on several ponds.

My former subdivision HOA, I paid $199 a year for same thing except for water fountains at ponds (have no ponds there LOL)

I learned that Subdivision HOA that have Community swimming pools, clubhouse or both charges $600 or more a year. They will have to hire pool tech to take care of pools, Hire a lifeguard, Maintaining excercise and entertainment equiptment in Clubhouse ect...

SOME HOA allow you to split into 6 month payment if it's easier for your budget.

Fees sometime vary on size of subdivisions w/o community swimming pool, clubhouse or both. Smaller subdivison can cost more than larger subdivision. HOA break even on yearly Fees depends on how many houses in subdivision...

So before you decide purchase the house. Make sure that you read HOA policy what they allow or disallow. And ask anyone that you knew very well living in same subdivision how HOA fare. Cuz HOA can make or break you. HOA can use money that owners pay yearly to hire lawyer to sue dequilent owner.

Taxes, Check with County appraiser. Ask your Agent to dig in more information about it. Be sure you are able to afford taxes. Most of the time Bank include Property taxes on your monthly mortage payments which is easier. BUT on the end of year, sometime County owe you money, other time you owe them money. It's not much tho. There are few cases that if you live in small town that suddenly booms to meduim town and Property tax can double and hurts you. Happens in Olathe, KS. Deaf owner own $60k house (cute little 30 years old 2 bedroom house w/ average size yard) usually pays about $600 to $800 a year for Property tax then in 2001 or 2002, City of Olathe exploded in population and they doubled the property tax rate. Deaf couple ended up paying $2000 a year which eat their income. Fortunately, their parent helped them out. On Meduim sized city, it tend to be stable. Living out of city in rural area tend to be cheap on property tax. State of Alabama have Property Tax exemption for Deaf and Handicapped owner!! Dang lucky of them that don't have to pay a penny on Property tax. I hear that years ago but I dunno right now. Ask the appraiser if there is a Property Tax exemption for deaf owner. So it'll be good idea to find out.

Catty
Click to expand...


The house we decided on has no HOA fees. My husband wont buy a house with HOA.

Yea, about taxes..our bank will include them in the mortgage...we got pre approved for a mortgage plus loan that we pay no fees except for reordination, title, and stamping taxes. What are those?
 
ASLGAL said:
We live in the country and do not and would not deal with a HOA. The advice of those who have and do sounds good.

The only thing I would add is make sure there is an independant licensed inspection done and a guarantee if you find something wrong.
You and your DH go through alone and check small stuff, like if there is carpet where there are water lines (bathroom,kitchen) why? Look around toilet connection to the floor does it look like water stains, does it feel mushy? that indicates water leaks being covered up and so on.

It's your money and you may live there a long time. It should be right when you buy :)


Brian hit it right, if you feel like they are not telling the whole truth they probably are not - trust your feeling.

Good Luck :twothumbsup:
Click to expand...


The rule here in MD...dont know if it is the same in other states that we cant do a home inspection until the seller accepts our bid. Of course if the inspector finds serious problems with the house, we will back out.
 
purplecatty said:
My house is new. It's nice not to have much maintenace around the new home. Some materials don't last long so I replaced it with better quality tho. But still I have some work like finishing the basment..

. BUT there can be a "lemon" new homes. Be sure to find out the reputation of the builders. Some had poor quality materials or lousy constructions. I happen to read newspaper about Nottingham Estate in Leawood, KS. Several new and recently built $450k to $600k homes in very upscale subdivision collasped due to ground shift after few days of heavy rain. Owner who had bought the house got stuck with big 30 years payments and no way to get out of it. Insurance won't cover it. Cuz it was engineered hill w/ 30ft pylons under ground (sits on bedrock deep in the ground) to support the big house. Also same area, lousy roofing system sickens family that mold and mildews grew behind the walls. And their HOA is like a Martial Law! Horrid!!(They filed lawsuit against Playground equiptment installer cuz the slide was orange in color!! Aw Sheesh C'mon Nit picker!) Lot of rich people complained about that LOL. Make me laugh about it cuz they're too busy to inspect house and learn of quality ect.. Sorry about them tho.

Hope you can be careful when purchasing new house if you plan to.

Good Luck
Catty
Click to expand...

We CANT afford brand new homes here in MD..would have to shell out $500 to $800K for one. Forget it...this is an older house that has been completely rennovated a few years ago..
 
Septic, makke sure it is up to date and easy to clean out. Cuz the last house I looked into and the septic failed and the replace would cost about 15,000 dollars the seller refuse to replace so I back out. Also it is depend where you live if the property either have private or public water or/and septc. If it is the public then you dont have to worry about the replace but the pipping from the street to your house you would have to. If it is private then check into it and get it inspection done.

Roof should be in a good shape and make sure there is no leak. Right now the house that I am looking at is in good shape except the flash was missing around the chimney so that cost wont be much.

Also think of this the houses will be in need of repair so make sure that you are able to repair in your comfortable amount of money that you can afford. Like the one I am looking at it will not be more then $3,000 which is good for me so I can go ahead with it. Also check for pest control and molding. Hire pest and mold inspection as I did with the house that I am into it. I got a very minor problem but no biggie which is good for me.

Good Luck
 
horselover61 said:
Septic, makke sure it is up to date and easy to clean out. Cuz the last house I looked into and the septic failed and the replace would cost about 15,000 dollars the seller refuse to replace so I back out. Also it is depend where you live if the property either have private or public water or/and septc. If it is the public then you dont have to worry about the replace but the pipping from the street to your house you would have to. If it is private then check into it and get it inspection done.

Roof should be in a good shape and make sure there is no leak. Right now the house that I am looking at is in good shape except the flash was missing around the chimney so that cost wont be much.

Also think of this the houses will be in need of repair so make sure that you are able to repair in your comfortable amount of money that you can afford. Like the one I am looking at it will not be more then $3,000 which is good for me so I can go ahead with it. Also check for pest control and molding. Hire pest and mold inspection as I did with the house that I am into it. I got a very minor problem but no biggie which is good for me.

Good Luck
Click to expand...


Ok will keep those in mind if the seller accepts our offer.
 
shel90 said:
The house we decided on has no HOA fees. My husband wont buy a house with HOA.

Yea, about taxes..our bank will include them in the mortgage...we got pre approved for a mortgage plus loan that we pay no fees except for reordination, title, and stamping taxes. What are those?
Click to expand...


Good move! No HOA You can put Gnomes in your front lawn and Neighbor can't complain about it.

As for used house you mentioned, Recently renovated is good cuz you won't have to do much on old homes! I've seen nice old home that had been renovated and updated. It is as beautiful as new home anyway. It's important that you the buyer be able to afford it. Not everyone can afford new homes tho.

Congrats!
Catty
 
purplecatty said:
Good move! No HOA You can put Gnomes in your front lawn and Neighbor can't complain about it.

As for used house you mentioned, Recently renovated is good cuz you won't have to do much on old homes! I've seen nice old home that had been renovated and updated. It is as beautiful as new home anyway. It's important that you the buyer be able to afford it. Not everyone can afford new homes tho.

Congrats!
Catty
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Just found out that the house had been on and off the market since Sept 2006 and they reduced it by 20K. We will do an inspection to make sure everything is all well. I told my realtor about all of your suggestions and she said she will check into all that. The reason nobody has offered to buy this house cuz off no off street parking. Ehhh..just did research on the neighborhood...middle class and good schools. If all goes well tmw with more info, we will put a bid on it tmw night.
 
Do us a big favor and actually yourself a favor.... NEVER NEVER NEVER take out ARM mortgage, or other so-called balloon mortgage. GO for FIXED interest rate. You never know what lies ahead! Alot people who took ARM and now stuck and risk being foreclosure. What I hate about ARM is that in the first few years, it might look very attractive, say 4-5% interest rate, but what they dont realize that when they arrive time where the interest rate shot up, meaning fatter mortgage payments. For example, now, monthly can be 750 dollars a month, 3 years later it can go up as much as 1,750 a month, would you want that risk?

Second advise... once you close your house and own it, you will get bunch of e mail offering you home equity loans, please please please stay away from them. Reason: if you borrow too much money on equity loan, you may not able to sell your house if you need to sell, NO bank will be willing to lend more than 95% of house value when selling to future homeowner! That part, already happened to one of my friend, she regretted BIG time and stuck!
 
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