Associate broker Joan Tutt, owner of Seashell Real Estate, listed her top five tips for home buyers and sellers:
Top 5 Things to Know When BUYING a Home
1. Location, Location, Location. Check the home’s proximity to employment, schools, places of worship, hospitals, loved ones, entertainment, beaches and parks, for example
2. Resale Value. Check the values of surrounding properties and make sure they are comparable. Also, find out how long homes in that location stay on the market before selling. Finally, know your zoning and what the property can legally accommodate.
3. Taxes. Know what the taxes are and where they go, whether you’re buying a primary or secondary home. Different locations have different tax bases and related obligations. If you are obtaining a mortgage, the taxes are figured into what you can afford to pay monthly for the home. Therefore, the taxes directly affect your purchasing power.