Tips for Buying a Pre-Owned
Home
Aside from location and neighborhood,
it is important to consider architectural design when
buying a pre-owned home. Certainly it has to work for
your needs. But unless this is going to be the last
home you ever purchase, it has to meet predictable needs
of most homebuyers. For home to make a good investment,
it is important to think about what buyers are going
to be looking for in the next 4-10 years and what kinds
of home designs will stay popular in the future. The
following are some things you need to pay attention
to when buying a home:
Architectural Design and Detail
- Does the house have 10´ or 14´ high ceilings, rounded
or regular corners, art niches, the right size kitchen,
or a floor plan that might accommodate a large screen
TV in the family room, etc.?
Roof Pitches - The higher
the pitch the better it will look – but it will also
cost more.
Setback Distance - Have you
ever noticed when you drive through a neighborhood that
all the homes seem to be on top of you? The impression
is caused by a short "setback." Setback is the distance
from the curb to the front of the home. It maybe 20´,
25´, 30´ or more. The longer the setback the bigger
the lot, which of course adds to the cost.
Flooring System - What flooring
system, if any, was used in the home? Have you ever
toured a two-story home and heard the floor squeak beneath
your feet?
Quality of Wood - What choice
did the builder make? Grade 1, 2 or 3? If the builder
used a low grade wood during the construction, the wood
will warp over time. If the wood was used in the walls,
you may see a bowing effect.
Subdivision History and Reputation
- One of the most important factors when buying a home
in the Tampa real estate market. You should always choose
a subdivision that will hold its value and has a quick
turn-over rate.
Cutting Corners - All builders
cut corners. That's why it is vital that we identify
where those cuts were made and how they will or will
not affect the quality of the home.
Drainage - When considering
a home in Florida, where summer rains can flood neighborhoods
with poor drainage, you must make sure the lot has a
proper run-off for storm water.
I can not emphasize enough the importance
of choosing a good floor plan. Have you ever seen a
home that stays on the market for sale for 6 months,
9 months, even a year? Chances are it is not the high
price that keeps it from selling, but a poor floor plan.
I have worked with hundreds of buyers and I can tell
you exactly what most people are looking for in a home.
I can also share my knowledge on quality of construction,
tell you about great subdivisions for resale and help
you identify and negotiate a good deal. Call me 813-317-4009
for all your Tampa Bay real estate needs.
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