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Post by hunterbunter on Jul 28, 2008 23:42:30 GMT -6
Anybody have any good advice on what to look for when buying a new house? What should I watch out for or be aware of?
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GUY
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Post by GUY on Jul 29, 2008 0:31:07 GMT -6
why dont you just build your own....my parents did...back in the day...they got everything they wanted .... alot easier i think
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elprofe
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Post by elprofe on Jul 29, 2008 0:41:27 GMT -6
It's all about location, location, location! I know it may seem simplistic, but everything stems from this- from property values to quality of life. Do research on where you want to buy land. Look up records using the county assessors' office, the appraiser's office, even your local insurance agency can help. Also, if you have kids, look at the quality of the school district where you want to live. Does it meet TEA standards? I know there is alot more to buying a house than the things I have just mentioned, I do feel they are of the most importance in making your decision. Also, before I forget, in terms of financing, shop around, you will be surpised how banks differ on this subject. Once again, I hope I helped you out, if you need extra help pm me.
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Post by hunterbunter on Jul 29, 2008 0:46:25 GMT -6
why dont you just build your own....my parents did...back in the day...they got everything they wanted .... alot easier i think isnt that more expensive? |
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GUY
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Post by GUY on Jul 29, 2008 0:49:09 GMT -6
im sure it is....but i think its worth it
its a huge investment .... why go cheap
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elprofe
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Post by elprofe on Jul 29, 2008 0:50:01 GMT -6
why dont you just build your own....my parents did...back in the day...they got everything they wanted .... alot easier i think isnt that more expensive? If you know what your doing it's not, but who does? |
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Post by Ol' Buzzard on Jul 29, 2008 0:54:56 GMT -6
It may be more expensive and it may not...
Contractors charge huge fees for their services, sometimes, 7% to 20% on the value of the house. Even professional companies like OBRA homes finds ways to screw you.
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Post by hunterbunter on Jul 29, 2008 0:58:09 GMT -6
thanks elprofe thats some cool advice i will look into those records you mentioned. As far as the property value the house we are currently interested in is located in Pharr. The neighborhood is very nice so it looks to have some good value. Of course we've all heard some good and bad things about PSJA ISD but its a good school overall. We have a guy working on our terms of financing, but is it possible to get financed through my own bank? I bank with Edinburg teachers credit union and i've heard they have some rates that are unbeatable.
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Post by Ol' Buzzard on Jul 29, 2008 1:07:25 GMT -6
Contractors will usually try to persuade you into building a home from something they offer (and sometimes discourage custom homes). They have long since purchased the blueprints and are looking to tack on an extra fee for themselves at your expense. There are certain ordinances and safety codes that contractors must follow/meet. However, these are usually the bare minimum. Once again, trying to maximize profits. But probably the worst thing that contractors are guilty of doing is using cheap materials and cheap labor. This can be your ball-buster b/c you usually dont find out about these until many years down the road when it's too late. Something as simple the number of rebars used could lead to a potential problems with the concrete foundation of your home. The couple of hundreds of dollars the contractor saved could potentially cost you thousands in repair down the road. Furthermore, laying concrete is a craft, yet cheap labor could lead to poor craftmanship, such as uneven floors.
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Post by hunterbunter on Jul 29, 2008 1:08:50 GMT -6
It may be more expensive and it may not... Contractors charge huge fees for their services, sometimes, 7% to 20% on the value of the house. Even professional companies like OBRA homes finds ways to screw you. yea and plus i've hear when you build your own house you end up paying more for less square footage then you would if you just bought a home already built. |
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Post by Ol' Buzzard on Jul 29, 2008 1:09:53 GMT -6
So, it may cost you more, it may not...
Anyways, i've always been of the mindset that you might as well GO ALL OUT now rather than regret it (and pay more for it) later.
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Post by hunterbunter on Jul 29, 2008 1:11:55 GMT -6
we're on a budget. and we also dont want to end up losing the house to foreclosure like so many people have recently. so going all out is not really an option lol.
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Post by Ol' Buzzard on Jul 29, 2008 1:14:39 GMT -6
The home is your CASTLE! It's your private space. It's the place you will (hopefully) spend the rest of your life in. For that reason, I would never want to live inside someone else's dream/concoction. I would want it to be designed to suit my needs/wants.
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Post by hunterbunter on Jul 29, 2008 1:18:35 GMT -6
the toilet is my throne, so as long as it has one that fits my needs im good lol. as far as the wife goes, we saw this home in Pharr that she fell in love with and as long as she's happy im happy. i can see what youre' sayin though with the CASTLE thing.
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Post by Ol' Buzzard on Jul 29, 2008 1:21:59 GMT -6
Ah yes, I completely forgot to factor in the wife.
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Post by Ol' Buzzard on Jul 29, 2008 1:24:17 GMT -6
I HATE having neightbors... so if I were going to buy/build a house that was very near other people, I would want to know a little about them.
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elprofe
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Post by elprofe on Jul 29, 2008 1:24:32 GMT -6
thanks elprofe thats some cool advice i will look into those records you mentioned. As far as the property value the house we are currently interested in is located in Pharr. The neighborhood is very nice so it looks to have some good value. Of course we've all heard some good and bad things about PSJA ISD but its a good school overall. We have a guy working on our terms of financing, but is it possible to get financed through my own bank? I bank with Edinburg teachers credit union and i've heard they have some rates that are unbeatable. I know it may seem mean (since many are still suffering after the storm), but go look at how well the area where you want to buy drained after Molly. In Edinburg my wife and I were going to buy some property in an exclusive area, but guess what, after the storm the whole place was two feet under water. In terms of PSJA, I work there and I think it is a great district! I know our high schools get a bad rap, but Dr. King has really started to change things for the betterment of the community. In terms of financing, I know credit unions have great rates, unfortunately, our credit union, NAFT, has not started doing home mortgages yet. Anyways, good luck! |
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Post by hunterbunter on Jul 29, 2008 1:26:45 GMT -6
I HATE having neightbors... so if I were going to buy/build a house that was very near other people, I would want to know a little about them. very true. i will look up that neighborhood online to see if there are any pedophiles in the area. |
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Post by RPM on Jul 29, 2008 8:49:07 GMT -6
if your gonna build from the ground up...its cheaper if you build your own house...you be the contractor...
if you gonna buy a house already up your gonna pay more than what its worth simple as that...no matter where you go....unless you get a house thats being settled on cause of bad taxes...
things id look for when buying a home alraedy made
*find out what its valued at....
*check out your neighbors and surrounding areas...
*right now that we just got hit by a storm...go check how well it drained around the block..
*pedifiles....
*if its a brick home walk around the house and look for cracked walls....look right under the soffet of the home...thats usually were cracks start or towards the bottom rolls of brick....those show signs of weak foundations....
*credit unions do have way better rates than banks...
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Post by rgvsn on Jul 29, 2008 8:56:49 GMT -6
Ok, since we go way back email me. I can hook you up with some people that will help you get an affordable house. One quick warning. Go fixed mortgage, stay within your budget, and remember this only has to be your starter home. Homes are an investment. I bought my house in Edinburg near the new so-called mall and the hospital. Location matters! The value of the appraisals in the area jumped almost $30,000 in less than 3 years. I bought this house with my wife and we are now going to use it to move up to a new class of home. If anyone is interested, there is this Sitterle development in north edinburg and the homes are awesome. Its a buyers market (with good credit) and you should be able to get a great house for lower than normal cost.
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