Most people looking at buying a home have thought about saving for a down payment and obtaining a mortgage for a property. Once they have enough money and decent credit, they think buying a home is going to run smoothly. However, this is not always the case. The process is smoother for companies that buy houses because they have the systems in place to make buying less complicated. Therefore, as a first-time homebuyer, you will be at a disadvantage.
If you consider buying a home shortly, be prepared for these four common problems potential homeowners face.
No Selection
Depending on the area that buyers are looking for a house, they may have very few homes to choose from. The housing market in busy cities is very competitive because there are fewer houses to sell. As a result, when a great house is for sale, many buyers place strong bids as soon as they see the home. These bids can cause a bidding war that forces a buyer to pay more than the house is worth.
In a tough market, it is essential to remember to make an offer quickly if the house is a good fit. Taking a few days to consider the pros and cons can mean missing out on a great home. Homebuyers want to be ready to act fast but also must be sure that they are acting-wise. It does not do you any good to win a house that you do not want.
Selling House As Is Condition
There are some cases when you see a post on Facebook Marketplace that reads, “Selling House As Is Condition.” When you see houses for sale by the owner, it can be exciting because you can potentially purchase them below market value. However, the downside is that you might not have the skill to fix up the home.
In addition, you may underestimate the time needed to fix the home. In this case, it’s always good to get a second opinion from a local realtor or speak with companies that buy houses. Once you do that, you can get a better idea much time and energy are needed to repair the home before you buy. After you get a second opinion, that’s when you may want to reach out to the owner. Make sure; however, you come prepared to ask questions about the condition of the home. Asking questions about the roof’s condition or when the property was last updated would be a good start.
In the end, the phrase (“selling house as is condition”) should indicate the property needs some work. So do your research!
Timeframe
Many people incorrectly think that once an offer is accepted, they will be ready to move into the house within days. Unfortunately, this is not the case. There is a long process to close on a property. Most houses take just under two months to complete closing once an offer is accepted.
Many parts of closing can take time. Inspections and appraisals take up a lot of time. They must be scheduled with a third party, and sometimes they cannot view the house right away. Once they have viewed the house, they still have to put together their report. While it can be annoying to wait for an inspection, it is a needed step in buying a house.
Inspections
A good inspection will save a buyer from purchasing a house that will be a money pit. The inspector will find all of the problems a place has, so the buyer can make an educated decision on whether to pursue the property or not. On the other hand, an inspection report can seem very overwhelming to a buyer.
The long list of problems with a house can make a buyer have second thoughts about buying. While this is a good thing in some cases, it does not always mean they should withdraw their offer. Some problems are easy to fix, and many are not safety issues. In addition, some issues can be taken care of after moving in and living in the house.
Cost of Closing
The cost of closing sometimes comes as a shock to a homeowner. They do not realize that they will have to pay even more to finish the process after their initial expenses and down payment. Many people see up to five percent of the home’s purchase price for closing costs. Save some extra cashback to cover this unexpected expense.
Buying a home is an exciting experience. Unfortunately, many people dive in headfirst without doing proper research. When an unprepared buyer starts looking at a house, they may be shocked to see how few homes are available and how quickly they sell. Once they find a place, they may be unprepared for how long it takes to close, what comes up on an inspection, and how much money it costs to close. Keep in mind that the more prepared you are from the start, the better your chances of success.