Home Buying: Which Homes to Avoid? - E-PersonalFinance

Home Buying: Which Homes to Avoid?

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When buying a new home, buyers must consider several factors. If a buyer's wants or needs are

When buying a new home, buyers must consider several factors. If a buyer's wants or needs are minimal, finding a suitable home is easy. On the other hand, if the family is large, or the buyer is extremely picky, the home buying process can be long and stressful. Ever wondered why some properties are top choices among buyers and receive multiple bids, while others may sit on the market for several months without receiving a single offer?

Because homes are a huge investment, in which buyers typically remain in the property for a number of years, they have reason to be picky. Buyers who are very eager to purchase a home may be willing to accept a less than ideal property. While buyers may be able to acquire these properties for a steal, they should definitely think twice before submitting an offer on certain homes.

Avoid Bad Locations — Values in real estate are heavily dependent on location. Make sure to assess the neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Are There Condo or Association Fees? - If buying into a condo complex or a home with association fees, be prepared to pay an additional monthly expense. Some neighborhoods have reasonable fees, which do not cause a financial hardship. On the other hand, some complexes have condo fees that exceed $400. Fees often rise. If so, the homeowner is obligated to pay the new fee. Additional expenses can cause a financial strain for current owners, and make the home difficult to sell in the future.

Number of Bathrooms - Whenever possible, avoid buying homes with only one bathroom. Homes including at least two bathrooms are easier to sell.

No Central Air or Heating - Some older homes do not include central air conditioning or a heating system. While buyers may be able to purchase the home at a discount, the cost of upgrading the systems may not be worth the savings. Furthermore, if the home is missing these two important features, it can be very difficult to sell in the future.

Located on a Busy Street - If the home is located on a busy street, be prepared to deal with heavy traffic every single morning and afternoon. In addition, trying to back out of your driveway can be a nightmare. Future buyers of the home will also look at this issue in a critical light.

Low Property Value Increase - Buying a home in a neighborhood with declining or stalled property values is not a smart maneuver. By doing so, the property will gain little equity. Thus, if the home is sold within a couple of years, the homeowner will not make a huge profit. Rather, choose neighborhoods with signs of growth.

Is the Area Prone to Flooding? - Even though flood insurance will cover damages sustained from storms, going through the hassle of repairing damages is stressful. For this matter, buyers might want to avoid properties located in a flood zone. This could include oceanfront or lakefront properties, and properties located in low lying areas. Aside from the home flooding, flood waters will likely cause extensive damage to vehicles.

 
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