by Celestia Canute

Created on: September 09, 2007

"Honey, we received a letter from the tax commission. It states that the back taxes are due immediately! What back taxes? Weren't those paid by the people you bought the house from?"

Buying a house should be an exciting experience and not a financial hazard. A home is a sanctuary, a personal and/or family establishment for rest and relaxation, rejuvenation, refreshment, and one of personal peace and tranquility. It is highly recommended to become educated in the procedures of purchasing a new home, and to complete the research prior to purchasing a home.

Here are five factors to consider before buying a home:

1. Does the home carry a clear title/deed? Is there multiple mortgages on the establishment?

Prior to making a home purchase, the proper research should be completed to ensure that the title or deed to the home is a clear title. A clear title educates the buyer to know that there are no hidden snares. A clear title states that the home is owned by one individual(the seller) and it has no clouds (liens, second mortgages, heirs to the home in case of death, or even spousal commitments in case of divorce). A clear title or deed ensures the buyer would become the sole owner of the property.

2. What is the location of the home?

The location is always imperative to consider in making that decision of where to buy a new home. Many factors may affect the location of one's living destination choice. Such as, what are the statistics of crime? Poverty rates? Unemployment rates? Does the area offer any community services such as sports programs, girl scouts or boy scouts? What are the statistics of the local school district? Does the community reflect self worth? Do they perform the proper maintenance?

It is beneficial to locate a new home within a community that has a stable economic base, with some grounded businesses. These businesses can offer employment to the local communities and stabilize and improve the local economy. This is also an important factor to take into consideration when a person gets ready to resell.

3. What are the financial aspects of possibly owning this home?

The financial factors to consider when the prospect is considering to buy are the asking price of the home, down payment and closing costs, approximate monthly mortgage payment, interest rate, yearly taxes, and the cost of utilities. Furthermore, there may be structural issues that may increase the financial burden of becoming the homeowner, as well. Paying close attention to the inspection,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>