Housing...Inside and Out

November 12, 1999
House Shopping

Before you ever go shopping for a new home, decide what you want in a house. Sit down with your family and establish your priorities and standards for a house.

Decide whether you want a new house with all the modern conveniences or an older, roomier home, which you can repair. Also, determine what style of house you want, as well as how many rooms and how much land. Make a list of your requirements and take it with you as you shop.

Take the time to find a home that really fits your needs, dreams and budget. Being in a hurry actually puts you in the seller's market and will, therefore, probably cost you money.

Take a notebook with you and see as many listing as possible. Look at both old and new houses in a certain price range since this will give you a good idea of the cost and quality of houses on the market.

Don't be taken in by eye-catching frills and don't overestimate flaws that can easily be corrected. Also, consider shopping in either the summer or winter since the demand for housing is not at its greatest and the prices are usually a little cheaper.

After visiting each house, jot down the name, address and phone number of the owner or builder and the real estate agent. Note the asking price, the required down payment, the term of the mortgage, monthly payments, estimated closing costs, property taxes, any deed restrictions, as well as a summary of utility bills. Also, take note of the style of the house, the total floor space and the number and dimensions of rooms and closets. Then check each room of the house against your list of requirements.

Pay special attention to the heating, sewer and water supply systems. Check, also, to be sure that the garage is big enough to meet your needs. Ask the owners why they are selling and about any major improvements the have made. Check to find which appliances are included in the sale of the house. Take snapshots of the houses you really like.

When buying an older home, an expert structural inspection is very important. It's also a good idea for a new home as well. Have a qualified appraiser assess the structural and design aspects of the house.

The appraiser will check the condition of the furnace, foundation, walls, floors, roof, electrical circuits, and plumbing and sewer system. He'll also tell you whether the house is well insulated, if there's evidence of damaging settlement and whether there are termites.

If you think other problems might exist, consult specialists such as plumbers, electricians and roofers. If major repairs are necessary, have a contractor estimate the cost.

If serious defects are discovered, you can usually negotiate a lower price. New homes should also be examined closely for incomplete work wand oversights in construction. Minor flaws are to be expected but the builder should be willing to correct them.

An appraiser will also tell you the prices at which comparable properties are selling, inform you of the quality of the neighborhood, zoning regulations, population trends, property tax levels and the prospects of new tax levels. Make sure you get a written report of the appraiser's findings.


Written by Dr. Francis Graham (Retired)

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