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Define Your Needs |
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Next you'll want to define your needs,
tastes and preferences for your new home. This is easier than it
sounds when you use our Home Buyer's Need's Analysis, an
integral part of the Home Buying System. It helps you quickly
prioritize your requirements. |
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By
discussing this now, you'll save plenty of time during
the house-hunting process. Your Sales Representative
will show you only the houses that fit these
requirements. |
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Describe the style of house you like, whether it be
two-story, contemporary, ranch or some other style. |
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List
your priorities in home features, such as a two- or
three-car garage, gourmet kitchen, a family room or a
formal dining room. |
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Think
about your lifestyle. If you don't like yard work, ask
your sales professional to show you condominiums,
townhouses or garden homes with smaller yards. |
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Bring
in a professional building inspector or appraiser to
make sure the house is in sound condition. Use his or
her report to make informed decisions. |
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A
neighborhood and area that caters to your needs is also
a very important factor when choosing a home. |
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Consider the identity of the neighborhood. The overall
impression given by an area is key to its value. |
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Ask
your sales professional if the Home Protection Plan
offered by the members of GMAC Real Estate is available
in your area. This warranty protects you in case of
major mechanical system failure and problems with some
appliances. |
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Decide
which imperfections you can live with and repairs you
may be able to make yourself. You may also be able to
finance some repairs in your mortgage. |
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Ask your sales professional about the
property tax assessment in the area, including any special
assessments or any pending bond issues. |
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Pay
attention to neighborhood zoning. Many residential
communities are zoned to keep out commercial and
industrial users. Ask about other regulations in the
neighborhood, such as on-street parking. Find out if the
area is governed by any covenants. |
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List
which community services are important to you. Do you
need to be close to shopping, a school or a mass transit
stop? |
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Get an
idea of who lives in the neighborhood by talking with
people who live there. Your new house has to feel right
- but emotions aside, it has to work right, too. |
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Drive through and around the neighborhood. Value is
enhanced by other well-maintained properties.
Conversely, be cautious of areas with unkempt yards and
homes, and businesses mixed in with residences - unless
a home/office combination is a priority. |
