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| Is an older home a better value than a new one? | |
| There isn't a definitive answer to this question. You should look at each Seattle Washington home for its individual characteristics. Generally, older homes may be in more established neighborhoods, offer more ambiance, and have lower property tax rates. People who buy older homes, however, shouldn't mind maintaining their home and making some repairs. Newer homes tend to use more modern architecture and systems, are usually easier to maintain, and may be more energy-efficient. People who buy new homes often don't want to worry initially about upkeep and repairs. | |
| What should I look for when walking through a home? | |
| In addition to comparing the home to
your minimum requirement and wish lists, you should you a
"scorecard" type system to help you consider the following: Is
there enough room for both the present and the future? Are there enough
bedrooms and bathrooms? Is the house structurally sound? Do the mechanical
systems and appliances work? Is the yard big enough? Do you like the floor
plan? Will your furniture fit in the space? Is there enough storage space? Take your time and think carefully about each house you see. Take notes and make sure to ask us about the pros and cons of each home from our professional standpoint. We can also take photos to help you remember the ones you like. Remember, we specialize in our area and can help you find a great deal... and protect you from the rest. |
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| What questions should I ask? | |
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Many of questions focus around potential problems and maintenance issues. Does anything need to be replaced? What things require ongoing maintenance? Also ask about the house and neighborhood, focusing on quality of life issues. Making a list of questions ahead of time will help you organize your thoughts and arrange all of the information you receive. |
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| How can I keep track of all the homes I see? | |
| If possible, take photographs of each house: the outside, the major rooms, the yard, and extra features that you like or ones you see as potential problems. And don't hesitate to return for a second look. Contact us for a FREE, organized system. We're pros and finding and helping you keep track of only those homes meeting your criteria. | |
| How many homes should I consider before choosing one? | |
| There isn't a set number of houses you should see before you decide. Visit as many as it takes to find the one you want. On average, homebuyers drive by 15 houses before choosing one. Just be sure to communicate often with your real estate agent about everything you're looking for. It will help avoid wasting your time. | |
