The home you ultimately choose to call home will play a major role in your family's life.  A home can be an excellent investment, of course; but more importantly, it should fit the way you really live with spaces and features that appeal to everyone in the family.

At each home, consider these important factors:

• Is there enough room for you now and in the near future?

• Is the home's floor plan right for your family?

• Is there enough storage space?

• Will you have to replace the appliances?

• Is the yard the size that you want?

• Are there enough bathrooms?

• Will your present furniture work in this home?

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It's a matter of personal preference. Both new and older homes offer distinct advantages, depending upon your unique taste and lifestyle. New homes generally have more space in the rooms where today's families do their living, like a family room or activity area. They're usually easier to maintain, too. However, many homes built years ago offer more total space for the money, as well as larger yards. Taxes on some older homes may also be lower. Some people are charmed by the elegance of an older home but shy away because they're concerned about potential maintenance costs.

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Bring your own notebook and pen for note-taking and a flashlight for seeing enclosed areas. Be prepared to "snoop around" a little. After all, you want to know as much as possible about the home you buy. Sellers understand that because their home is on the market, it will be looked over pretty thoroughly. Don't forget to bring along this Home Buyer's Book as a reference guide when you are looking at homes. If you need to go back to a home for another look, Char's Team will be happy to schedule an appointment. Be sure to ask any questions you have about the home, even if you feel you're being nosy. You have a right to know. It's important to know that the seller will supply the buyer with a Residential Property Disclosure, which will disclose any defects known by the seller.

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As a rule of thumb, ask any questions you have about specific rooms, features, or functions. Pay particular attention to areas that you feel could become "problem" areas—additions, defects, areas that have been repaired, etc.  And above all, if you don't feel your questions have been answered, ask until you do understand and are satisfied. In most cases, Char's Team will be able to provide you with detailed information.

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Tell Char's Team what you liked and didn't like about each home you saw.  It is important to really get a feel for what you're looking for in a home in order to find your dream home. Don't be shy about talking about a home's shortcomings. Was the home perfect except for the carpeting? Let Char's Team know that, too!

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There is no set number of homes you should look at before you decide to make an offer on one. That's why providing Char's Team with as many details as possible up front is so helpful. The perfect home may be waiting for you on your first visit. Even if it isn't, the house-hunting process will help you get a feeling for the homes in the community and narrow your choices to a few homes that are worth a second look.

If you're looking in more than one community, try to make the most of each house-hunting trip.  Stop by the local chamber of commerce to pick up promotional literature about the community. Or ask Char's Team for welcome kits, maps, and information about the schools, churches and recreational facilities.

House Hunting Tip :
When you find a home you may be interested in buying, make sure Char's Team asks the owner the following questions:

• How much money do you pay for monthly utilities?

• What features have you enjoyed most about living in this home?

• Are there defects or problem areas that need to be fixed right away?

• How old is the furnace and central air conditioning system?

• How old is the roof?  Have you experienced any leaking?

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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 Char's Team! Char's Team knows the communities and the people. Chances are, they can help you find a neighborhood that really fits your family's needs.

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Again, Char's Team 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.

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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 Char's Team . 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.

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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 inspections 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 clear-headed decision.

Remember, the purpose of a home inspection is to help you learn things about the home that are not easily discoverable during your home-buying tour. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A "LAUNDRY LIST" OF MINOR REPAIRS FOR SELLERS TO COMPLETE.

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Yes. It is not required, but it is very much to your advantage. You'll be able to clearly understand the inspection report and know exactly which areas need attention. Plus, you can get answers to many questions, tips for maintenance, and a lot of other general information that will help you when you move into your new home. Most importantly, you'll see the home through the eyes of an objective third party.

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Yes, and the sooner, the better. Once you've found a home, work together to develop a homeowner's policy that meets your individual insurance needs.  You'll need to supply your pre-paid policy to your mortgage lender prior to closing.

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Yes—home warranties offer you protection against many potentially costly problems not covered by your homeowner's insurance. They've become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason . . . the coverage can save you thousands in the event of a major mechanical breakdown at a time when your cash reserves have been depleted by your down payment and moving expenses. 

When looking at homes, ask Char's Team if a home warranty is offered. But remember if it is not offered, feel free to ask for it when writing the offer to purchase. The home warranty will give you the peace of mind necessary to feel comfortable in your new home. In most cases, the warranty plan will cover appliances, hot water heater, air conditioning units, electrical systems, garage door openers, plumbing systems, heating systems, faucets, ceiling fans, and water softeners. Check with Char's Team regarding the specifics of the home warranty plan!

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There is really no rule to use in calculating a realistic offer. Naturally, the buyer wants the best value and the seller wants the best price, but negotiations can be influenced by many factors, such as a seller who may be changing jobs and wants to sell quickly or a buyer who really wants a specific home. After you've looked at the home's features, asked questions, checked comparables, and talked about it with Char's Team , you should have a good idea of what the home's value is in the current market. Consider what you can afford, and make an offer that you consider to be fair. Most buyers and seller negotiate on price with both sides "giving" a little until both agree.

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If I'm moving a considerable distance, is there any way I can gather information before I start traveling?

Yes, Char's Team is proud to be associated with top realtors across the country. Whether you're moving across town, across the nation, to Mexico, Canada, or the United Kingdom, we can help. We understand your needs, concerns, fears, anxieties, and joys, but most of all, we know how to get you and your family from here to there with minimal stress and inconvenience.

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In almost every case, you can save yourself time and energy by using a reputable moving company to help you move. Ask Char's Team , friends, and coworkers for recommendations, then get estimates from several companies. Don't choose a mover based on price alone—consider the reputation and professionalism of the company, too. Work closely with the moving company to coordinate your efforts and your move will go smoothly and efficiently.

If you do choose to move out yourself, however, Char has a moving truck in which is free to use. Call our office to schedule a time to use it.

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