Questions Every Buyer Should Ask
by Realty Times Staff
When you're in the market for a home, it seems as if there
are millions of questions to ask -- and no doubt plenty
more. As buyers we become so wrapped up in the physical
aspects of the house -- the rooms, amenities, and structure
-- that we give less attention to quiet issues which may
strongly impact our ability to enjoy a home.
What kinds of factors will affect your quality of life? The
obvious ones are the first to come to mind: the distance to
work, the special programs available through the local
school system, and neighborhood shopping and recreation.
Those factors, while important, may not touch the issues
specific to your situation.
Consider the thousands of families who have an aging parent
residing with them. The average age of our population has
grown older, meaning we are living longer lives, spending
longer periods as widows and widowers, and increasingly
choosing to take up residence with our children. In such
situations, the distance from our homes to the nearest
hospital is vitally important.
Public transportation is also something we tend to overlook
in a nation of drivers. As more of us get older, many elect
not to drive, thus nearby public transportation becomes
important --especially if buses stop frequently.
Public safety is a major issue, and proximity to police
stations, emergency medical services and fire houses is
important. Community groups -- including homeowner
associations, PTAs, and a neighborhood crime-watch -- are
also important.
No one wants to hassle with parking issues, so what is the
parking situation? What if you have guests. Take note of any
parking restrictions, which could result in a visitor's car
-- or your car -- being towed from in front of your house.
What about trash pick-ups? Okay, this isn't a glorious
subject, but consider the alternative. In rural areas there
are often communal dumpster zones to which residents haul
trash. If the community will pick-up from you, great. If
they recycle, better. Check for pick-up dates, if Mondays
ask how holidays are handled.
Is the area impacted by local conservation efforts? For
example, what about water supplies in the summer? Electric
power?
If you're moving to a new community you might look forward
to such recreational facilities as clubhouses, playgrounds,
exercise rooms and other offerings. Before you sign on the
dotted line, check out the "fine print" details. Is use free
or an additional cost? Are there plans to build a playground
or other amenity next to the property you want to purchase?
Do you regard a playground as a convenience or noisy
problem? What about that nice stand of trees behind the lot
where you want to build -- is that land being preserved or
will a zoning change allow it to become a gas station next
year?
Another issue concerns property taxes: You know what the
owners pay today, but is that what you will pay tomorrow?
Property tax rules may allow special benefits for older
citizens, veterans, or long-time residents -- benefits which
may not apply to you.
Here's one more: That nice condo or homeowner association
you're thinking about. You know about their assessments now,
but are they planning a "special" assessment soon? If yes,
you could be out big money (or you could make an offer which
is discounted to reflect the cost of the special
assessment).
Are there more questions to ask? You bet. But the ones above
are a good place to start.
Published: February 10, 2003
