When I work with buyers I am often asked about the neighborhoods I show them. As a Realtor I am bound by ethics, fair housing, and more safeguards and restrictions to help ensure the fairest of treatments to all. One of the things we Realtors are not allowed to comment on is crime. We are often asked if there are recent crimes occurring in various neighborhoods of interest. We are also asked about sex offenders. Like other violent crimes, we are not allowed to comment but we are allowed to lead our clients to official entities with this information, i.e. the state police.
I would like to tell you about www.FamilyWatchDog.us, a great website which will allow you to look up this information on your own. You can search by zip code, street name, etc..., and be linked to the lists of sex-offenders and other offenders in the area. Remember, these offenders are only the registered offenders. Yes, it is true - not all offenders register. But, this database will give you a jump start on knowing where most of the offenders live and work, enabling you to make a great decision on which property to purchase.
Included on the site are great consumer safety tips for parents and children alike, video clips, literature, and links to other helpful sites. So, check it out. Be informed, educated, and secure!
1. Be picky, but don’t be unrealistic. There is no perfect home.
2. Do your homework before you start looking. Decide specifically what features you
want in a home and which are most important to you.
3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough
money to cover your downpayment and your closing costs.
4. Don’t wait to get a loan. Talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage before you
start looking.
5. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two
people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion.
6. Decide when you could move. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How
tight is the rental market in your area?
7. Think long-term. Are you looking for a starter house with the idea of moving up in a
few years or do you hope to stay in this home longer? This decision may dictate what
type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that suit you best.
8. Don’t let yourself be “house poor”. If you max yourself out to buy the biggest home
you can afford, you’ll have no money left for maintenance or decoration or to save
money for other financial goals.
9. Don’t be naïve. Insist on a home inspection and, if possible, get a warranty from the
seller to cover defects within one year.
10. Get help. Consider hiring a REALTOR? as a buyer’s representative. Unlike a listing
agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you.
And often, buyer’s reps are paid out of the seller’s commission payment.
Ask me how to get a free home warranty - it can save you thousands of dollars!
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