Things to know before buying a new house

12 October 2018

Buying a house is not a small thing. It needs a huge amount of investment. No matter how good the builder is or how new the building is there is no such thing as a perfect house. There are defects in each and everything. We should not assume that the house is perfect as it is a new house. It is truly said that precaution is better than cure. We should be aware before investing in a big property. Problems always pump up without an invitation.

New home buyers should have a good relationship with the builder no matter how worst the things turn up. They make the biggest mistake by not getting into laws and depending solely upon the builders. They blindly trust the builders and believe that they are doing work ethically but that is not the case in every situation.

Mistakes to be avoided by new home buyers:

These things need to be taken care of before buying a new house:

1. Deciding the property be taken before getting a loan approval

New house buyer gets attracted to the model houses without even knowing how much they have to pay for it. The builder seduces the new house buyers by showing them the model house. The model house has beautiful rooms that may not exist in reality. The buyer gives the commitment of buying the house before even thinking about their budget.

The builder promises about attractive financial schemes that attract the buyers. The buyers should talk to at least 4-5 lenders about the mortgage loan and then take a decision. They can talk to the credit union, bank, or builders about various mortgage programs and then arrive at a conclusion.

2. Details about the builder

Many times we fail to check the background of the builder. Whether he has a good reputation in the market or not. The inquiry can be done by asking the neighbors. Consulting few past customers before purchasing the property is always helpful.

3. Ignoring the upcoming issues

The new buyers usually fail to ask about the prevailing problems in the house. We can’t be assured that all the problems will be solved easily; we need to have a clear picture of the issues before getting further. We need to ask about the punch list of problems from the builder.

4. Inspection before buying the new house

Generally, we don’t feel to get the new house inspected by a professional. We feel that everything is right as it the new house. But this is the mistake that is done by most of the new buyers that they regret later on. Seeing the interior of the house the buyers think that there can be no issues in the house but the inspectors find problems most of the time. The charges of the inspector are very nominal.

5. Bad negotiation skills

The new home buyer fails to negotiate and accept the terms and conditions of the builders without even questioning them. If negotiation is done with proper technique ten it works on the side of the buyers. It should be done professionally and equitably so as to close the best possible deal. Buyers are no more victims. They rule the real estate industry by taking control in their hands.

6. Failing to get the real estimates in good faith

Mortgage lenders don’t always provide the real estimates to new house buyers in good faith. They need to provide the estimate to the buyers within three days of the loan processing application. The documents need to be clear as per the annual income of the buyer. The loan needs to be compared before applying for it. The buyers need to visit more lenders to get a good estimate and then select the best price as per his negotiation skills which are in his good faith.

The new house buyers should take care of all these things before buying a house. If a person is doing such a huge investment in the property then he needs to be careful and take utmost precautions for it. The most important thing is to take considerable time in doing the research before selecting anything.

Buyers should consult the new building company and clear the above things and match the criteria before purchasing the house. The best solutions can be provided by them as they have the knowledge about the local trend and culture prevailing. The buyers will also have satisfaction after consulting the local building company as it is from his own locality. They will have accurate information about the company and it will be easy for them to do research about the company. This is the benefit of consulting the local company instead of a company from other states.

Read Also:

Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

View all posts

Navigating The Real Estate Landscape in Worcester: A Guide to Choosing the Right Estate Agents and Exploring Properties for Sale

The process of buying or selling a property can be both exciting and challenging, especially in a city as vibrant as Worcester. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a seasoned property investor, or someone looking to sell their home, choosing the right estate agent is a critical decision. Additionally, understanding the current market and available properties for sale in Worcester is equally important. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to choose the right estate agents in Worcester and delve into the diverse array of properties available in this historic city. Choosing the Right Estate Agents in Worcester 1. Local Expertise Matters When selecting an estate agent, opt for one with a strong local presence and expertise in the Worcester property market. Local agents are well-versed in the nuances of the area, providing invaluable insights into property values, neighborhoods, and market trends. 2. Check Credentials and Reputation Research the credentials and reputation of potential estate agents. Look for accreditations, reviews from past clients, and any industry awards. A reputable estate agent with a solid track record is more likely to provide excellent service. 3. Tailored Services Consider estate agents that offer tailored services to meet your specific needs. Whether you're selling a property or searching for a new home, an agent who understands and accommodates your requirements will make the process smoother. Integrating a real estate agent CRM into their services ensures your unique needs are tracked and met with unparalleled attention to detail. 4. Transparent Fees Clearly understand the fee structure before committing to an estate agent. Look for transparency in fees and ensure that you are aware of any additional costs associated with their services. 5. Effective Communication Effective communication is key to a successful property transaction. Choose an estate agent who keeps you informed at every step of the process, providing updates on property viewings, offers, and negotiations. 6. Online Presence In today's digital age, a strong online presence is crucial. Evaluate an estate agent's website, online listings, and social media platforms. A well-maintained online presence reflects their commitment to marketing properties effectively. 7. Local Networks and Connections Estate agents with extensive local networks and connections can offer a competitive advantage. These connections can facilitate a smoother transaction process and provide access to off-market properties. Exploring Properties for Sale in Worcester Now that you understand how to choose the right estate agent, let's delve into the diverse range of properties for sale in Worcester. 1. Historic Charm in City Centre Worcester's city centre boasts a mix of historic and modern properties. From charming period houses along the River Severn to contemporary apartments, there's something for everyone in the heart of the city. 2. Peaceful Suburban Living If you prefer a more tranquil setting, Worcester's suburban areas offer a variety of family homes, often with larger gardens and proximity to reputable schools. 3. Riverside Retreats Properties along the scenic River Severn provide a unique and picturesque lifestyle. Riverside homes offer beautiful views and a peaceful ambiance while remaining conveniently close to the city centre. 4. Period Properties with Character Worcester is home to a range of period properties, including Tudor-style houses and Georgian residences. These homes exude character and charm, often featuring original architectural details. 5. Modern Developments For those seeking modern amenities, Worcester has seen the development of contemporary housing estates. These properties often come equipped with the latest conveniences and energy-efficient features. 6. Accessible Transportation Hubs Consider properties with easy access to transportation hubs, such as Worcester's two railway stations. Proximity to public transport can enhance convenience for daily commuting. 7. Potential for Investment Worcester's property market offers potential for investment, with a variety of properties suitable for buy-to-let opportunities. Conduct thorough research and work with your chosen estate agent to identify properties with good investment potential. Conclusion Choosing the right estate agents in Worcester and navigating the diverse properties for sale requires careful consideration and research. Whether you're drawn to the historic charm of the city centre, the tranquility of suburban living, or the riverside retreats along the Severn, Worcester has a property to suit every taste and lifestyle. By partnering with a knowledgeable and reputable estate agent, you can embark on your property journey with confidence, knowing that you have the expertise and support needed for a successful transaction in this captivating city. Read Also: Real Estate Agents In Dubai: Your Gateway To The Luxurious Property Market Your Toronto Real Estate Guide: Trends, Hot Spots And Key Players Wholesaling: Tips For Investors To Make It Big In Real Estate

How To Deal With A Difficult Landlord

Landlords are a necessary part of renting. Unfortunately, a property that is otherwise perfect might come with a terrible landlord. In the ideal situation, your landlord will be someone you get along well with. But what happens when your landlord is difficult to work with? Fortunately, you can take steps to deal with this. To this end, we have put together a list of ways to deal with a difficult landlord to help you out. Check your lease agreement First things first: look over your lease agreement again. Is the issue you are concerned with covered in the lease? Then you know how to proceed. Of course, this could also work against you, if your landlord’s behavior is covered by the lease. Because of this, before you sign a lease agreement, it is very important to properly read through it. On the flip side, if your landlord’s behavior is directly contradicting the lease, you have a legal way to make them stop. Alternatively, if you can’t landlord’s willing to give you a good lease agreement, it might be time to start considering if you want to continue renting an apartment vs buying a house. Look through your lease agreement before doing anything else, to make sure there isn’t an easy solution to your problem. Research rental laws The first step you should take is informing yourself on how you can, legally, deal with a difficult landlord. This will depend on what your exact complaint is. As such, you will want to go to the Residential Tenancy Branch website and learn about your rights as a tenant. There are laws to help you against unreasonable landlords. For example, there is an established law about how much money they can as for a security deposit. There are also laws to protect your privacy, maintenance requests, and anti-discrimination. Related Resource: How Did COVID Change Landlord-Tenant Laws Pick your fights A tenant is required to ask their landlord about any repairs, from minor to major, before they take action. But, what if your landlord is unresponsive? Well, chances are, if they are already uninterested then asking for every minor repair to be handled will make them more uninterested. So, in this situation, you should only choose high-priority issues to fight over. Legally, a landlord is required to keep their property in livable condition, however, this might mean something different to you than your landlord. So if you have to choose what needs to be fixed, then prioritize fighting over the bigger problems. Alternatively, it might be better to avoid these issues entirely and start hunting for a new apartment. If your landlord is generally unresponsive, try to only argue about important issues when you can. Speak with the other tenants Speaking with the other tenants about your issues is generally a great idea. After all, a group of tenants can more easily deal with a difficult landlord. So, ask around. Are the rest of the tenants experiencing the same issues? Check if there’s a tenant’s association, and file a complaint through them as a group. Generally speaking, groups have more success getting results than individuals filing complaints. Be prepared to leave Unfortunately, in some cases, it might not be possible to deal with a difficult landlord. Or, dealing with them might not be worth it. In cases like this, you should be ready to move out on short notice. Of course, moving out on short notice isn’t something that’s easy to do, and it shouldn’t be done without a good reason. So, always go through every other option before deciding to do this. But, if this is the only solution, you should be prepared to leave your current apartment in a week or two. Moving out is a solution that should only be considered when there are no other options. Alt-tag: couple carrying moving boxes downstairs Document everything thoroughly If you have proof, then resolving your complaints tends to be much easier. Always make your requests in writing, and keep your landlord’s replies. Do this through email, letters, or texts. If your landlord then visits you in person, make a record of the date and things discussed. Keep copies of payment requests or any agreements whatsoever. If possible, take photo or video evidence with some sort of timestamp on it to help with proving your point. Be respectful No matter how difficult your landlord may be, do your best to stay respectful when interacting with them. After all, by being disrespectful, you are only giving them more reason to be unreasonable. Try to be calm in your communications, and try to work with your landlord. Maybe they will even decide to be nicer to you in the future. If this doesn’t help, it might be time to start planning a move. Experts from vanexpressnj.com note that you should always have your move planned in advance for situations like this. Never miss your payments An easy way to help you deal with a difficult landlord is to never miss your payments, and generally be a good tenant. Follow your lease thoroughly, make sure your payments are on time. Keep the apartment clean and don’t cause trouble for the other tenants. By doing this, you avoid giving your landlord anything to say against you when you file your complaint. Look for additional help If you’ve spoken to your landlord, sent a letter, and filed complaints, but nothing came out of it, then it’s time to search for additional solutions. When you have tried everything and you just can’t reach an agreement with your landlord, then you should consider filing an appeal at the Residential Tenancies Branch. The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB for short) can mediate between you and your landlord in situations like these. An agreement reached through this is final, binding, and enforceable. Afterword Dealing with a difficult landlord isn’t easy. If they decide to be unreasonable, or unresponsive, there is almost nothing you can do to easily solve the issue. We hope you found this list of ways to deal with a difficult landlord helpful, and you luck in dealing with your issues. Read Also: How to Protect Your Property as a First Time Landlord? What To Look For When Renting A Property In St Albans: Checklist & Advice 5 Ways to Become a Profitable Landlord 6 Expert Tips for Finding The Right Home to Buy 6 Expert Tips for Finding The Right Home to Buy

Commercial Construction After COVID-19: How Developers Can Adapt

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the construction industry heavily. With people focusing on social distancing measures and businesses going online to cater to their customers, the commercial sector took a hit. The pandemic fuelled a boom in e-commerce has increased the demand for retail spaces, while many office spaces were left vacant. Fortunately, some companies have been taking up strategies that can benefit the commercial construction sector greatly. Speaking of adapting, the commercial real estate sector can focus on strategies like adaptive reuse. Apart from this, developers can also focus on creating spaces that are safe from COVID-19. When both these strategies are combined, the developers can repurpose vacant spaces into structures that are higher in demand and also ensure the indoor spaces are safe from the novel virus. Over the last few months, plenty of safety measures and precautions have been provided by organizations like ASHRAE and the CDC. The IWBI created the WELL Health Safety standard by providing scientifically proven measures for fighting against infectious diseases including COVID-19. Creating Safer Indoor Spaces: After a lot of research on the transmission of the coronavirus, extremely important evidence came into the picture that COVID-19 transmission can be airborne, especially in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Therefore, creating safer than ever indoor spaces should be a top priority for developers. ASHRAE released a detailed guide for building owners on measures for promoting a safe indoor environment. The recommendations can be summarized in 3 main areas: Increasing outdoor air ventilation as much as possible, while minimizing indoor air recirculation. Upgrading the air filters to MERV rating 13 or higher. Installing Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) system for killing harmful airborne viruses and bacteria. Depending on the building conditions, the applications of the above-mentioned measures may vary but the main principle of ventilation, filtering, and purification still holds. Apart from new construction, they can also be implemented for existing buildings and in renovation projects as well for improving the indoor air quality. It is highly recommended to consult professionals that can identify the optimal measures for all building types. The IWBI came up with a list of 22 effective measures against COVID-19, and building owners can obtain the WELL Health Safety Seal by implementing at least 15 measures that are subject to verification. Mixed-Use Projects: A Viable Option While many companies are struggling with low occupancy in commercial buildings, the demand for housing is on the rise. A mixed-use project can not only provide housing spaces but also offer spaces for commercial use as well at the same time. Some of the interesting benefits observe are that in a mixed-use building, the occupied residential spaces will require services that can be easily accessible and provided from the commercial spaces in the same building. Also, business owners are drawn to such buildings as their potential customers are already there. Professionals working from home are also attracted to mixed-use developments as it offers various services within walking distance. Apart from this, mixed-use projects are highly beneficial for entrepreneurs planning to open a franchise, since they can have immediate access to a large number of potential customers. Repurposing Vacant Buildings with Adaptive Reuse: As mentioned earlier, some types of commercial buildings, like warehouses, are rising in demand, while some are seeing high vacancies. Adaptive reuse can be an excellent strategy for such building owners as the vacant buildings can be repurposed into structures like apartments, which are always in high demand. Work from home, implemented as a social distancing measure to fight against the spread of COVID-19 transmission, is now becoming a permanent solution for many companies. This led to less use of office space, which resulted in vacant office spaces and buildings. Repurposing such buildings is a viable strategy for office building owners. Conclusion: The commercial real estate sector was highly disrupted in the pandemic as the demand for some buildings increased greatly, while the others are now facing imminent vacancy. For staying competitive, developers implement the strategies mentioned above. Read Also: Commercial and Residential Construction: Key Differences Lifting and Rigging Equipment—Your Hardware Guide 3 New Age Engineering & Construction Technology All You Must Know About Construction Business Management Software

Things to know before buying a new house

Mistakes to be avoided by new home buyers: