After 12 years as a Residential RE Appraiser researching a property is second nature to me. Now as an agent with Keller Williams in the suburban Chicago area, I encourage my buyer clients to become as informed as possible before making an offer on a home. I have listed here are a few tips that I share with my buyers. One or more of them may help you become a better informed & educated buyer.

 

1)     Search out crime statistics, school statistics, & community blog sites, etc.

The internet provides a wealth of information for today™s buyers and some of it your Realtor ® cannot share with you directly because of housing discrimination laws. Buyers need to be savvy on their own. See if the local police department will talk to you and tell them where you are thinking of moving and ask about the incidences of crime in the surrounding areas. œWould you move there?   is a good question to ask.

State school websites provide data about test scores and graduation rates, etc but visiting the district website will give you detailed information about curriculum, policies, and individual school boundaries (they sometimes change and the Realtors ® are not always aware).

Community blog sites & forums give you local opinions about events, restaurants, things to do, etc.     I like www.city-data.com because they have comprehensive pages by community or zip code with everything from housing prices to precipitation levels¦very thorough. The forums are a great place to post questions.

 

2)     Try to view your potential future home at various times of the day.

 

At least try to see the property in the day and in the night.   You might discover a beautiful western sunset or an annoying early morning traffic pattern. I know of buyer that loved her downtown condo until her first night staying there revealed that the streetlight across the street shines right into the master bedroom.  Room darkening shades worked wonders, but knowing this information ahead of time would have illuminated her purchase.

3)     Talk to people in the neighborhood without your Realtor ® present.

 Ask these neighbors what they like most and like least about living in that community.    Most people love where they live and they will be happy to share that with you.   You will be surprised what you find out¦people love to talk!

4)     Ask for a copy of the Homeowner™s Association documents and budget before you make an offer.

¦or at least within your attorney approval timeframe. You don™t want to find out after the closing that there is a budget shortfall or a rule that might cost you extra money or headaches. For example many HOA do not allow RV™s or boats to be stored in the driveway.  Ask the property manager or the president of the association if there are any special assessments either ongoing or planned? What is the balance of the reserve account? Special Assessments are less likely in a single family community but be sure to inquire in an attached dwelling community.   Pet limits, rentals allowed and other rules are important to be aware of and can affect your resale. It may be necessary for the homeowner to get the answers to these questions for you.

 

5)   Search the local government websites for public information on the property you are planning to purchase.

Today™s buyers are more savvy and educated than ever thanks to the internet. Take advantage of the World Disclosure of public records differs in each state; start with your county and try the assessor, the treasurer, and the recorder of deeds. You will probably find information about when the property was built;   the square footage;   how many owners there have been;   the exemptions in the tax bill; how many mortgages there are on the property (this could be valuable information when negotiating);   if there are other liens or judgments and probably lots more interesting stuff.

Wide Web and tap into all the resources right at your fingertips.  You can then move forward with confidence when purchasing one of the biggest investments of your life.

Happy Home Buying!