GATEWAY
RickRealtor Team

 

Home

Featured Listings
for Sale

Search for Homes!
Why Use Me?
Awards & Recognition
Testimonials
Real Estate Guides
B U Y E R   Overview
Buyer Classes
Be a SMART Buyer
Home Inspections
S E L L E R   Overview
Seller Classes
Move-Up Program
Presentation Tips
People & Services
School Ratings
Local Utility Numbers
Flood Control Maps
Relocation Guide
Remodeling?
What about Mold?
Feng Shui
Amusements
Perspectives on Real Estate
This is Austin
 Photo Collection
COOL - Philosophy in Drawings
Send us a Referral
We send you a nice
"Thank You" gift
Contact Info:
Phone 512-288-8711
 eFax 512-532-7220
Toll Free 1-888-402-6866  

                                      

Up • Things NOT to Do • A good idea? • Don't Pay RENT! • Recognizing Value • The Offer • SMART Buyer Guides •
• Financially Ready? • Property Checklist •

Smart Buyer - Things to check out

As you visit a property, you naturally want to see if you "like" it ... but what else should you think about?


Here are a few items to note as you consider a property ... print it out as a checklist when you visit properties.

Buyer Overview
Are You a SMART Buyer?
Are You Financially Ready?
Property Checklist
The LOT

How does the house sit on the lot? Will summer sun be a problem? Can you use winter sun to your advantage? Is the lot on a slant? Will there be drainage problems? Is there any danger of flooding? Will the driveway be easy to get in and out?

How about Traffic and Noise? How close are busy streets, airports, railroads? Will car headlights shine in your living or bedroom?

 

Electrical

Does the electric panel meet code? Are there enough electrical outlets in key areas? Do you have any special electrical needs? Are light switches conveniently located? Are the light fixtures in good shape? Don’t forget phone and television hookups.

 

Plumbing

What kind of pipes are used? Are there any signs of leaking? How old is the water heater? How big is it? Is it gas or electric? Are the faucets & fixtures in good condition?

 

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

Does the house have Central Heat & Air? How old are the AC and furnace units? Are they gas or electric? Where are the registers and returns? Where is the thermostat located? What about insulation?

 

Doors & Windows

What kind of doors are used? Do they open & close easily? Do they sag? Except for doors that are normally closed, are any doors in the way when they are open? Do they swing where you may want to put furniture?

Are windows located where direct sunlight can fade furniture or floor covering? Do the windows open and close easily? Are they energy efficient?

 

The Kitchen

Think about counter space, cabinet space, and lighting. Is the dishwasher close to the sink? Is the space for the refrigerator large enough? Will the door open without blocking a doorway? Do the cabinet doors and drawers open easily? Is there a built-in microwave or space to mount one? How old are the appliances?

 

Bedroom & Baths

Is there adequate space for your bedroom furniture?

Does the entry door swing across the closet door? What about closet space? Check the location of windows for privacy. Do street lights shine in at night?

Do the bathrooms have exhaust fans? Storage for towels and toiletries? Are the toilets mounted securely? Any signs of mold or mildew? Is the lighting sufficient? What kind of floor covering?

 

Laundry & Utility Area

Is the laundry located where it will cause noise in the living areas? Is the dryer vented properly? Is there electric and gas at the dryer location? Are there cabinets to hold laundry supplies? Is there room for a hamper? Is there counter space and/or a hanging rod for clean clothes?

 

Garage & Parking

Is the garage door in good shape? Are garage door openers included? Is it large enough for your vehicles? Is there storage? If no garage, can you park off the street? Is there any extra space in the driveway for additional vehicles? Guest parking?

 

Outdoors

Is the front door protected from weather? Is the roof in good shape? Are there gutters and downspouts? Are there cracks in the walls or foundation? Are the landscaping and fencing in good condition?

 


Make your OWN checklist . Identify key features you want in your home. Then we can save you time by only showing you homes that match your needs.

And remember, we evaluate property daily and can help you identify positive and negative features that affect value.


 

And … Check out the neighbors!

You would be amazed at the amount of extra information you can get by paying a friendly visit to your potential neighbors. Go and knock on doors and introduce yourself. Say that you're thinking of buying the house next door.

Then ask a simple open-ended question like "I was wondering what the bus service is like around here..." The vast majority of people are more than happy to have a five-minute chat with you on the doorstep. If you do buy the property, you've saved yourself the introductions already.

Maybe more importantly, you will be surprised at how much the neighbors know about what's going on next door. They may reveal useful information like why the sellers are moving, or what they dislike about the area. (listen carefully for underlying messages ... you may learn something vital to your decision!!)

Buyer Overview
Are You a SMART Buyer?
Are You Financially Ready?
Property Checklist


Call Nance on her cell phone @ 512-826-7609



GATEWAY


• Home •

RickRealtor Team
Direct Line
512-288-8711

 

Last modified: 
Wednesday, November 05, 2008

You are visitor number Hit Counter


RE/MAX GATEWAY ~ RickRealtor Team
Your professional guide to Austin, Dripping Springs & the Texas Hill Country!

Attention all search engine spiders: This site features Austin real estate, homes for sale, land for sale, Austin, Lakeway, Lake Travis, San Marcos, Dripping Springs and the Hill Country. Search this site for homes for sale in Travis, Williamson, and Hays Counties for Austin, Lakeway, Lake Travis, Dripping Springs, Texas Hill Country and find your dream home! The RickRealtor Team can help you buy or sell a home or other real estate throughout the Travis, Williamson, and Hays Counties , Austin, and the surrounding hill country. Experienced in all areas of residential real estate transactions. Helping Sellers. Helping Buyers. RE/MAX Gateway RickRealtor Team -- Your friends in Real Estate! Visit our Ask A Realtor page!