Whether it's for investment or homeownership, there are always imperfections in a house, so looking at houses is definitely an important part of our successful home buying process.
So what are the houses that home buyers should try to avoid encountering when looking at a house?
The owner does not care for the house
Some houses are not well cared for by their owners. The yard is full of grass, there are traces of mold on the doors and windows, and the pool is dirty.
Do not choose such a house. Because the owner's attitude towards the house is very critical, the visible places are so dirty and messy, what about the invisible places?
When you move in you may find a variety of problems, but by this time it is too late, after each repair is originally avoidable expenses.
Some homeowners take good care of their homes, clean and tidy, everything is in order, which means that the house is well maintained and there is a high probability that no major repairs will be needed in a short time after taking over.
The most expensive house in the neighborhood
Why don't you buy the most expensive house in the neighborhood? Because the house is very expensive, but the rent when rented out is just as much as the rent of other ordinary houses, the return is low, and it is also difficult to sell at the desired price.
It is recommended to choose the middle price of the neighborhood or even lower, and try not to be higher than 70% of the whole neighborhood. Most of the surrounding house prices are higher, giving the house more room for appreciation.
If the house is well maintained and the equipment is upgraded, it can sell for a good price when reselling.
Poor community environment
Some neighborhoods have poor road conditions, potholes, or obvious road damage in front of the house. It is foreseeable that there will be a large sum of money paid to the government to repair the roads in the near future. This situation may not be conducive to investment.
Strict HOA regulations
HOA regulations should not be overlooked. Many neighborhoods in the United States are strictly regulated and have strict rules on the percentage of rentals in the neighborhood. If you do not carefully understand these regulations, you will find that only 10% of the houses in the neighborhood are allowed to be rented when you buy a house, and you have to wait in line if you want to rent a house, which greatly affects the return on your investment.
Houses at intersections.
Many houses in the US are built on the side of the road, but if the house is at an intersection, it is not safe for cars to come and go.
It is advisable to avoid buying properties at intersections as much as possible. Also, avoid buying a house along busy roads and highway intersections, especially for families with children.
In addition to the above, by default in the United States, the owner is responsible for the road and sidewalk in front of the house. This means that if two roads pass by the house, you are responsible for the future maintenance of those two roads.
If something goes wrong with the roads around your house, even if someone kicks a stone and sprains his foot, or slips and falls in winter because there is snow on the ground, you will be responsible for it. So try to stay away from the intersection in order to save trouble.
