7 Forget-Me-Nots When Buying an Asheville Home

What You Need to Know About Purchasing a Home

Are you in the market to purchase a home? Or thinking about it? Whether it is your first home purchase, or your tenth, we have the 7 items you must not forget to consider when buying your Asheville home. After all, buying a home is a huge investment and one of the most important decisions you will ever make.

1. Set Your Budget Boundaries Before Looking – You need to know what you can and cannot afford. Write down the “must haves” in your new home, and the “can live without” house accessories in order to not let emotions sway your decision and exceed your budget boundaries. Buy a property you can afford now, not later.
2. Pre-Approval is Key – Having a pre-qualification letter is key to moving quickly on a house your desire to put an offer on. Asheville’s real estate market is hot, having this letter will let know seller’s know you are serious.
3. Don’t Let Your Emotions Make The Purchase – Too often people fall in love with kitchen or bathroom details and make a purchase over a granite countertop or the cute factor rather than looking at the details. This is where a buyer’s agent can help you analyze the details versus attraction to appearance.
4. Put Your Inspector Gadget Head On – When you find a house you love, it is easy to put an offer in, however you need to take some time to look at any issues that may be underneath the surface of its appeal. Smell for mould, test for Radon, get a home inspection, and more. Your REALTOR® will be able to walk you through the putting an offer in, with a clause for inspection time. It may also be a good idea to get a survey of the property boundaries.
5. You May Not Find Your Perfect House Over Night – Finding the right home can take some time. Don’t be in a rush to buy the first thing you see, unless it is perfect for you. Your buyer’s agent can walk you through the decision making process. Be prepared to look anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. This is important decision, it’s worth the time it may take.
6. Understand the Neighborhood – Is there a potential for neighborhood changes to have a positive or negative effect on where your home is located? It is important to discuss potential items such as road widening, commercial development and school boundaries. Making another case for a REALTORS® assistance in the decision making process.
7. What’s the Bottom Line – Do you need money down? Are there potential repairs? Will you be doing upgrades? It is vital to know what capital you will need to close on your Asheville home, and what will be coming out of pocket for maintenance or remodeling.