DECEMBER 1, 2020|
Know what you are buying, before you buy.
There is a certain mindset for customers when touring a home for the very first time. Most often, they want a certain layout. In fact, they usually are not eager to investigate the overall structure of the home. While loving the layout is undoubtedly important, I want my clients to also take note of the overall quality and functionality of the home. Ideally, my goal is for them to see this on our first or second visit because it is my job to assist them in finding a house that will endure over the long-term. There are always costly hidden issues in every older home; it’s the nature of buying real estate. Like any significant purchase, it’s important to know what you are buying, before you move in!
Representation is important
This is why I encourage my prospects to have representation with a licensed Realtor who knows and understands the laws and all aspects of real estate before they start the buying process. With proper representation, I can advise buyers on their legal rights. But, if a buyer is working with the seller’s agent, that agent’s responsibility is to the seller, and not the buyer. So, representation is important. Here are a few examples of what I do to help my buyers.
Critical Aspects to Know What You are Buying
Plumbing and electrical wiring are two critical aspects of a home. When it comes to plumbing, I look for any polybutylene pipes in homes built between 1978 and 1995. These pipes, while not hazardous to one’s health, can break down when chlorine in the drinking water reacts with the pipes. The combination of the drinking water with the pipes causes direct deterioration and subsequently weakens the pipes. Likewise, the electrical wiring in homes built between 1960 and 1970 typically contain aluminum wire, and the connections made with aluminum wiring is known to be a fire hazard. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that homes with aluminum wiring were 55 times more likely to cause a fire than homes built with copper wires.
My Role as Your Realtor
Again, it is my responsibility as a licensed Realtor to point out any potential hazards that my customers will need to address when purchasing a home. Moreover, there are laws in Maryland that require my full understanding so that my clients are well represented. The home-buying process can feel overwhelming and daunting. At the same time, it can also be exhilarating! My aim is to always focus on the welfare of my buyers. I want to ensure their individual home-buying experience goes smoothly and safely while providing them with the advice and guidance they will need to make the very best decision for their family.
