history of the property you have under consideration. Don’t simply settle for the information contained in the customer copy of listings. Ask your agent for more detailed information. Find answers to how long the property has been on the market and whether it was previously listed, withdrawn, and/or relisted for a lower price. These kinds of questions can help you decide how much to offer. You’ll also need detailed information on the property, most of which will be available from the public records. A bit of research online will disclose the name of the owner, original age of the home, mortgage history, parcel number, previous sales of the property, property deeds, and any judgments or liens filed against the seller. Information about how much the property taxes are, and whether they’re paid or in arrears, will also be available in the records.
MAKING THE CHOICE
Once you’ve done all your homework, you need to decide whether to buy the house. It’s important that you step back and evaluate all the information available to you from viewing the house, inspecting its condition, and obtaining public records.
Keep in mind:
• You will likely need to compromise on some of your priorities. No home is completely perfect, and a first home is often a “starter” on the way to a dream home. However well it fits your needs, desires, and lifestyle, there will be things you wish you could change. Examples might include wishing the home was facing the lovely park you saw nearby or in another, fancier neighborhood. At the end of the day, you’ll need to decide the factors 41
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