What to Know Before Buying That House

by Dianne Drinkwater 04/21/2019

It is necessary to ask some crucial questions from the seller of your new home. No house is 100% perfect for you at the point of sale. You must, therefore, seek to learn whatever issues the house may have so that you can appropriately weigh your options before deciding to buy and be adequately prepared to handle them if you choose to buy it. While some sellers may volunteer that information, it is not incorrect to assume that most will not, hence the need to ask these questions:

Is the house or neighborhood flood-prone? Issues like flooding, water pipe-burst, or water poisoning sometimes never go away permanently. So, it is best you are aware ahead of time. Some neighborhoods are more prone to flooding during raining season and knowing these details might be crucial to your convenient stay. Knowledge of previous occurrences will help you keep an eye out for repeat situations so that you can address them early enough.
When was the house roofed and how does the material age? Older portions of the structure such as the roof may be quite expensive to replace. On the average, an asphalt roof may last as long as 10 to 15 years before needing repairs or replacement, so factor in the age of the roof before you decide to make your offer to the buyer. Find out about the material used to make the roof too, as some are more expensive than others when it comes to replacement. You should also ask for documentation about repair work done on any part of the house, so you have it for future references.
How is sewage disposed of in the building? Does the house have a septic tank or is it connected to the local sewage system? You need to be aware of that. A home with a private septic tank needs to be pumped out averagely every 4 to 5 years, so knowing the last time they had it pumped will give you an idea of when you might need to pump it again after you move in.
How does the neighborhood look? Buyers sometimes assume that they are only interested in the property since they will be paying for just the house, however, you are buying more than that. You are obtaining the value of the neighborhood too. So you should ask questions about the type of community it is. Do drugs and gangs overrun it? Is the public school system good enough for your kids? Is it too close to the freeway?

Seeking answers to each of these questions will help you to make informed decisions when buying a house.

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Buying A Home

About the Author

Dianne Drinkwater

Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.

She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida.

Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson.

So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you?

So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you.

What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market?

Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater