Mistakes to Avoid When purchasing a home in Atlanta

Mistakes to Avoid When purchasing a home in Atlanta

Buying a home is a big decision that takes into consideration many different wants and needs. In addition to determining basic parameters (such as square footage and price range), it’s important to have a detailed conversation about your top priorities, such as home features, location and lifestyle. Answering these questions is a good place to start and will help you avoid making the following potential mistakes during the home buying process.

1. Underestimating costs

The purchase price is most likely your main consideration; however, you also need to think about several other financial considerations, including property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, utility bills, home maintenance expenses, mortgage insurance (if your down payment is less than 20 percent) and possibly homeowners association fees. You may also need to factor in closing costs—either paid at closing or wrapped into your mortgage.

2. Overlooking important financing details

If you are not a cash buyer, purchasing a home will involve securing a mortgage. Before you apply for a mortgage, check your credit and clean up any issues that might hurt your ability to get preapproved for a mortgage or result in a higher interest rate if your credit score is below a certain level. Then, request loan estimates from several lenders and compare them side-by-side to make sure you’re getting the best terms, including estimated closing costs.

3. Failing to thoroughly check out the neighborhood

Be sure to consider schools, parks, safety, proximity to transportation, shopping, restaurants or anything else that’s important to you.

4. Ignoring resale value

It’s important to consider how other buyers might react to your home if you decide to resell; try to avoid making a purchase you may later regret due to undesirable or hard-to-modify features.

5. Not hiring an experienced and knowledgeable Realtor

Buying a home requires you to think about your needs and desires. Your ­buyer’s representative will want to know as much as possible about your preferences in order to pinpoint your best options and help you navigate the entire home buying process.