Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Do Your Homework!

Yesterday I wrote about how to make the most of your real estate investment with special consideration for appearance and curve appeal. Please note that these are not the only elements to consider when building home value.


Before you buy a home; check out the area, walk the neighbourhood, talk to the local residents and visit the planning department. What kinds of future developments are planned nearby? Find out the reputation of the local school district. The police department can tell you about the crime rate. Find out what future housing projects are on the drawing board in your chosen neighbourhood. A surge in the number of home building permits could foreshadow a future excess in housing which could push values down.


The time of the year when you decide to make your purchase can affect the price you will pay. Generally, homes are more expensive during the peak buying season; spring/summer. Buyers prefer to shop when many homes are for sale. This increases their options and improves their chances of finding a house that meets their needs. However, in the spring there is more competition and a greater chance of getting into bidding wars which drive prices up. If you shop over other seasons when selection is more limited, you may find a better deal but forgo some of the amenities you wanted. In the end it is all about tradeoffs and what you value most in a home.

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