If you're thinking about buying a house in Gulf Shores , you're not alone. According to the New York Times, more Americans are getting home buying fever; home prices have seen the biggest increase in the past seven years over the past month alone. And with mortgage rates now creeping up, it seems even more people have been knocked off of the proverbial fence and are thinking about buying a house in Gulf Shores .
There are a lot of questions you need to ask a lot of people. You might already have a list of questions to ask your real estate agent to make sure you're getting the best deal. But you also shouldn't forget the hard-hitting questions to others, too, from the previous homeowners to the neighbors, and even yourself.
7 Questions to Ask When Buying a House in Gulf Shores
#1. Is Renting vs. Buying a Better Option?
Depending on your situation, you may not be ready to buy, may need some time to save for a down payment, or may live in a more expensive housing market. If you have a lot of debt, a low credit score, or don't have much money saved up, renting may be a better option. Someone with these factors may have to wait a few more years to be in a better financial situation before they are able to obtain a mortgage loan.
#2. What is the Neighborhood's Crime Rate?
This is not complicated and doesn't need a lot of explanation. Find out what the crime rate is in the neighborhood you're considering BEFORE you sign to buy a home there.
#3. What Are My Home 'Needs' and 'Wants'?
No property is perfect. What are your 'deal breakers' vs. your wants. Where are you willing and able to compromise? The point here is to have a shorter check-list of "must-haves" when looking at potential homes.
#4. Where is the Seller's Disclosure?
Find out from the listing agent if there are any seller disclosures (known defects or problems) before you make an offer. NEVER catch yourself buying a house in Gulf Shores (or anywhere else for that matter) without seeing a complete seller's disclosure notice.
#5. What Home Inspections are Available?
Like #2 above, this one is not complicated. Have any home you're considering thoroughly inspected before you buy, including checking the chimney, sewer lines, and drainage inspections. If you look at your dream home on a sunny day, how do you know how things go when you're experiencing a ton of rain? It's worth the bit of extra time, money and effort to make sure you won't have costly problems down the line.
#6. When Was the Last Time the Home Had a Mold Inspection?
Mold can be a health hazard causing anything from itchy eyes to permanent lung damage. Make sure the house is free of mold by asking, "When was the last time this home had a mold inspection?" Finding out when there was a mold inspection enables you to see the home's history and determine if you want to proceed with making an offer and securing a mortgage loan for the home. If there is mold present, it will also help you determine how and by whom it will be taken care of.
#7. Why is this Gulf Shores House for Sale?
This is an obvious but often not asked question. "Why is the seller selling?" Knowing why someone is selling may help you decide how to structure your offer.
Obviously there are far more than 7 questions you need to ask before buying a house in Gulf Shores , but this list covers some of the most overlooked questions people just don't ask for one reason or another. Be sure you cover all your bases.
When working with THE Buyer Agent – Malcolm Bond, you can be assured that as your exclusive buyer's agent, we'll help you remember all of these questions, and more, before we allow you to buy a house in Gulf Shores .