eBook Chapter 2: Buying Your The Katy-Cinco Ranch-Richmond Area Home For The Best Price

Fred Miller, Realtor 281/924-2531 www.RichmondKatyHomes.com fredmiller9@gmail.com

When I start visiting homes, what should I look for?

The house you ultimately choose to call home will play a major role in your family's life. A home can be an investment, of course, but more importantly, it should fit you and your family

As you look at each home pay close attention to these important considerations:

• Is there enough room for you now and in the near future?
• Is the floor plan right for you and your family?
• Is there enough storage space?
• Will you have to replace the appliances?
• Is the size of the yard what you want?
• If it is a condo, is there good security? Is the maintenance fund sound? Does it have a good view?
• Are there enough bathrooms?
• How much maintenance is foreseeable? How much redecorating will be required now...and within the next two to three years?
• Will your furniture fill the spaces like you want?
• What is the condition of the house? air conditioning? foundation? roof?

How many bedrooms do I need?

Whether you are married or not, or have kids or not, spare bedrooms come in handy when family and friends come to stay. Many times they are used for other purposes such as a home office, or TV room. We recommend that you buy a minimum of a three bedroom house. When it comes time to sell one or two bedroom houses discount when compared to three bedrooms.

Should I buy a new home or an older home?

Both new and older homes offer distinct advantages, depending upon your unique taste. New homes generally have a larger master bedroom and smaller additional bedrooms. New homes frequently have an entertainment area in addition to the den. New home kitchens may be smaller. In general new house lots are smaller, especially the back yard. Older homes have larger yards, and usually larger trees. New homes are easier to maintain. It is hard to judge the character of a developing subdivision. "What you see is what you get" in older neighborhoods. Taxes may be lower for older homes. Usually older homes are discounted because of age, but the age frequently reveals some obsolescence which devalues it from a modern viewpoint--such things as number of plug-ins and cable jacks. It comes down to what appeals most to you, and in some cases affordability.

What do I need to bring with me when I'm looking at homes that I might want to buy?

Definitely a pencil. Take notes, whether on your own pad, or on descriptive sheets provided by us. Be prepared to "snoop around" a little. After all you want to know as much as possible about the home that you buy. Sellers should understand that because their home is on the market, it will be looked at thoroughly. Don't feel that you might offend the realtor--he is on your side. If you don't like a house tell him and move on.

If you want to see a home a second or third time, we will be happy to open it up for you. We do not recommend that you look at the house you are going to buy just one time. Each time you go you see new things and some other things differently--you get a better "feel" for the house. Be sure to ask any questions that you have about the home, even if you feel you are being nosy--you have a right to know.

What should I ask about each home that I tour?

Try to define any problem areas or defects or areas that could be repaired. Take note of the age of the air conditioning and heating system, and the roof. Are there potential problems with the floor and foundation (Do the doors and windows close?). Be persistent in finding out your answers if you are seriously interested in the home. Sometimes the answer must come from the owner and will take some time. The answer may come from inspectors.

What should I tell my agent about homes we look at?

Open communication is critical. Tell us everything. We are on your side. Tell us what you don't like, as well as, what you like about the homes. Don't be shy about talking about a home's shortcomings. Was it too small in some areas? Was it perfect except for the carpet, or the wallpaper in one room. The more open and descriptive you are, the easier it is for us to "zero in" and find a home that you'll love, or to find a house that feels like home!

How many homes should I look at before I buy?

There is no set number of homes you should look at before you decide to make an offer. Your agent can set you up with an internet site that gives you a list of homes that meet given criteria. You can discard many before you go look, and keep the others on the list, many of which will be discarded after you look. That's why providing your agent 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 feel for the homes in each community and narrow your choices to a few homes that are worth a second or third look. When you look at a lot of homes they tend to blend together, but your mind is separating things out. It does help to take notes--describe a feature that made the house distinctive on your note sheet so you can remember the house.

Always ask when you find the home that you may want to buy:

How much are the utilities?

Are there problem areas that should be fixed now?

How old is the air conditioner and heater? (They may be different ages.)

How old is the roof?

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Receive The Latests MLS Listings By E-mail for FREE!

We have a computerized HOMEFinder service that will automatically e-mail notice to you of the latest listings to you. If you are beginning to search for a neighborhood and you know your price range, this will help. You may want to live in a particular area, but do you have any real idea of what homes cost in that area. Reading the newspaper can be very confusing and is a disorganized way of approaching the problem. A real estate agent can tell you, but you may not be ready to talk to an agent yet, and just want a little anonymous research.(After being in the business since 1982 we understand that.) You set up the criteria range yourself: square footage, number of bedrooms, location, garage spaces etc. All you have to do is e-mail your criteria to us and the search begins. You can terminate it or change your criteria at any time. It is a great way continue your FREE home-buying education, and there is absolutely no obligation on your part. You can drop out at any time. If you want, ask us not to contact you in any other fashion.

HOMEFinder is especially useful to those who have decided upon a neighborhood in which to live, but no houses were available at the time they were looking that fit their criteria. You can get access to the house as soon as it comes on the market and beat the others in the race to look at the house.

Fred Miller, Realtor, ReMax Plantation 281/924-2531 www.RichmondKatyHomes.com fredmiller9@gmail.com