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 are paid or in arrears will also be available in the records. You will also be able to see if there were permits obtained to make improvements on the home. These permits could complicate the sale of the property if liens were attached by workmen or improvements were not done up to code. Do not skip this search, because it reveals important information about the property you are interested in and could save you money. You can get this information through your agent, since most agents subscribe to services that give them access to such data.
MAKING THE CHOICE
Once you’ve done all your homework, you need to decide whether to buy the house. It is important that you step back and evaluate all the information available to you from viewing the house, inspecting its condition, and researching public records.
Keep in mind:
• You may, and likely will, 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. If only it was facing that lovely park you saw on the way there, or if only the house you preferred was in that other neighborhood, or if only this cost a little bit less. At the end of the day, you will need to decide on which factors are most important to 43
Powered by FlippingBook