There are details that go unnoticed and others that we don’t even think about before buying a house. Maybe because of overconfidence. Use every resource to get information about the home, even ask the neighbors! When you’re looking to buy a new house, it’s essential to do proper research. The location, the neighborhood and the amenities are things you should not compromise if you want to reside in a house for several years. For instance, the place at corkscrew is one of the newest and elegant communities in Florida where you can enjoy endless amenities, such as a fitness center, a fantastic pool, a restaurant, and many other things that will make this your perfect choice.
Is it practical?
Culturally, in the US we tend to buy a house and stick with it for a long time, says Christopher Ellyn Homes LLC, so you have to choose the right one on the first time.
Can you afford it?
If you are looking for it, we assume so. But you must know that the banks now do not finance more than 80% of the housing and that the expenses that derive from their purchase (taxes plus expenses like notary, agency…) cost around 10-12 % of the value of the same one. That is to say, you must have saved around 32 %.
Light and noise
Those facing south are usually recommended, especially in the cold areas of the US, because of the amount of natural light they receive. It is best to go several times a day to check the luminosity and noise at different times.
Everything in order?
Open all the taps to make sure the pressure does not drop, check the state of the light (and that it has a modern light box, intelligent meter, etc.) and the gas, heating, plugs, tiles, walls, etc.
Is the flat worth what they ask for?
According to the expert, the next step is to calculate and compare the price per m2 with five or ten ‘witnesses’, that is, other properties in the area. That will give you an idea of whether that house is really at the market price. “You can also go to the real estate agents to see what similar transactions have already been closed.
Ask the professionals
It’s not just banks that ask for appraisals. “It is increasingly used as a business tool,” says Gandarias. An appraisal has legal validity and costs a little over 300 dollars , but there is something lighter: the valuation.
For about 10 dollars , an expert crosses the data we give him (surface) with those of the cadastre and his own ‘witnesses’ and estimates a market price. However, this is not entirely accurate. In addition, “there is a service halfway between the valuation and the appraisal, for about 150 dollars , in which the expert also values the house in person”. This intervention is more reliable.
Community of neighbors
It is essential to talk to the administrator or the owners’ association to find out if the owner is up to date with all payments, to find out the state of the common facilities and to find out if there are any future spills or works planned (renovations, installation of ramps or elevators, etc.). And, of course, to know how much is paid monthly for the community.
Other daily payments
Ask the administrator for a copy of the last technical building inspection (ITE): “If it is an old building, it is essential”. Finally, he asks the seller for proof of payment of the IBI (Impuesto de Bienes Inmuebles) in order to know the cost and if the payment is up to date: the year of the sale, independently of the month in which the sale takes place, it is his turn to pay it.
Energy certificate
It is a necessary document to close the operation before a notary and has to be requested by the seller (it costs about 50 dollars ). Ask for it before this step to check the qualification of the building (based on thermal insulation, energy consumption, etc.).