Finding Your House - St. Charles County MO real estate for sale REMAX agent

Select a community that will allow you to best live your daily life. Many people choose communities based on schools. Do you want access to shopping and public transportation? Is access to local facilities like libraries and museums important to you? Do you want a subdivision pool and amenities? Or do you prefer the peace and quiet of a rural community? When you find places that you like, talk to people that live there. They know the most about the area and will be your future neighbors.

2. INFORMATION ON LOCAL SCHOOLS?

You can get information about school systems by contacting the city or county school board or the local schools. You will also find information on the local schools at this website.

3. HOW CAN I FIND OUT HOW MUCH HOMES ARE SELLING FOR IN CERTAIN COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS?

I will do a detailed comparative market analysis on any area you are interested in. You'll have information and pictures on homes that are available, under contract and those that have recently sold.

4. HOW CAN I FIND INFORMATION ON PROPERTY TAXES?

The total amount of the previous year's property taxes is usually included in the listing information. If it's not, I will look it up in the tax record for you. Tax rates can change from year to year, so these figures may be approximate.

6. WHAT OTHER TAX ISSUES SHOULD I TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION?

Keep in mind that your mortgage interest and real estate taxes will mostly likely be deductible. Contact your CPA to see what other advantages home ownership will give you.

7. IS AN OLDER HOME A BETTER VALUE THAN A NEW ONE?

There isn't a definitive answer to this question. You should look at each home for its individual characteristics. Generally, older homes may be in more established neighborhoods, offer more ambiance, and have more square footage for your money. People who buy older homes, however, shouldn't mind maintaining their home and making some repairs.

Newer homes tend to use more modern architecture and systems, are usually easier to maintain, and may be more energy-efficient.

8. WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN WALKING THROUGH A HOME?

In addition to comparing the home to your minimum requirements and wish lists, consider the following:

Is there enough room for both the present and the future?

Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms?

Is the house structurally sound?

Do the mechanical systems and appliances work?

Is the yard big enough?

Do you like the floor plan?

Will your furniture fit in the space? Is there enough storage space? (Bring a tape measure to better answer these questions.)

Does anything need to repaired or replaced? Will the seller repair or replace the items?

Imagine the house in good weather and bad, and in each season. Will you be happy with it year-round?

Take your time and think carefully about each house you see. I will point out the pros and cons of each home from a professional standpoint.

9. WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK WHEN LOOKING AT HOMES?

Many of your questions should focus on potential problems and maintenance issues. You will receive a copy of the seller's disclosure, a form the seller fills out about their property. Does anything need to be replaced? What things require ongoing maintenance (e.g., paint, roof, HVAC, appliances, carpet)? Also ask about the house and neighborhood, focusing on quality of life issues. Be sure the answers you get are are clear and complete. Ask questions until you understand all of the information you're given. Making a list of questions ahead of time will help you organize your thoughts and arrange all of the information you receive.

10. HOW CAN I KEEP TRACK OF ALL THE HOMES I SEE?

Take notes on each house we visit about the: the outside, the major rooms, the yard, and extra features that you like or ones you see as potential problems. And don't hesitate to return for a second look.

11. HOW MANY HOMES SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING ONE?

There isn't a set number of houses you should see before you decide. Visit as many as it takes to find the one you the one you want. We may need to look at one house or 50 houses, we'll take all the time you need to find the one that is right for you. If you will give me feedback on what you like and don't like about the homes, it will help me determine which houses will work best for you.

I look forward to helping you find a home that you fall in love with! It's a fun, exciting time that you will enjoy!

LetsGetItSold.com is brought to you by Michelle Rottach. Expert for St. Charles county Missouri real estate. Helping you buy and sell homes, condos, farms and acreage in St. Charles, St. Peters, O'Fallon, Lake St. Louis, Wentzville, New Melle and Defiance MO