Buying or selling a home can be an intimidating experience. That is why
Janet has assembled a list of resources and helpful tips to assist you.
BUYER'S GUIDE
1. Start compiling a wish list and determine the
goals for your next home
2. Get prepared for a mortgage. The mortgage broker can tell
you how much you are qualified to borrow.
3. Do your homework. Location is crucial. How far are you
willing to commute to work? Make sure to consider schools, public transportation,
amenities, and services in the area.
4. Choose a home and make an offer: The purchase offer you
submit, if accepted as it stands, will become a binding sales contract (known
in some areas as a purchase agreement, earnest money agreement or deposit
receipt). It's important that it contains all the items.
5. Get a loan: There are dozens of loan types and hundreds
of loan programs available. Make sure your mortgage will fit into your budget.
6. Inspection & Negotiation: hire
a home inspector or use a home inspection checklist to make important buying
decisions. This will also help you negotiate a price.
7. Closing and Possession: In the final weeks before closing
some of the procedures will include the title search, a survey of the property,
and your final walk-through inspection.
TIPS ON PURCHASING A MOBILE HOME
1. Use the floor plans to determine how much space you need.
Keep in mind that Single-section homes have more problems with doors, windows,
roofs, and floors. Multi-Section homes have more problems with the sections
joining.
2. If you can, it is better to buy your mobile home directly
from the manufacturer. If a problem comes up with your home, it is easier
to deal with one company than several.
3. Choose a roof that hangs over the edge of the home, which
will prevent water damage from bad weather.
4. A mobile home built with 2x6-inch lumber rather than 2x4-inch
lumber will be more sturdy and provide more room for insulation.
5. Vinyl siding will have less problems with water damage
than metal siding.
6. In order to lower your plumbing repairs, it is better
to choose or upgrade to higher quality plumbing fixtures. Low quality fixtures
have caused numerous problems for mobile home owners.
7. Poor quality windows can lead to high repair costs and
heating bills. Choose Vinyl frames and double-paned windows for best results.
8. In our cold climate is it better to choose a heating system
that has outlets around the edges of the rooms.
9. The bottom of the mobile home should be well ventilated.
To insure this, place a plastic sheet on the underside of the home.
10. Manufacturers are required to give you instructions to
prepare the site for the mobile home. Installation is critical, so bring
your installation guide and watch what the installer. Make sure you installer
is insured or bonded in case damage occurs.
11. A warranty could protect you from problems, however check
the fine print for exclusions. Not all manufacturers have warranties, so
do your homework.
MOVING TIPS
1. Create a "Move" file to store receipts
and records, and keep it handy!
2. Find out which moving expenses are tax-deductible.
3. Contact moving companies and truck rental companies for estimates and
moving assistance information. Tip: Reserve well in advance as companies
are often sold out for key move weekends.
4. Take an objective look at what you own and figure out what goes with
you, gets left behind or goes into storage. Most moving companies have a
minimum weight restriction. Above the minimum, more weight means more cost.
5. Start collecting boxes and packing materials. Call truck rental companies
or moving companies to order supplies.
6. Cancel any monthly services. Many require at least 30 days notice or
you will be billed for an extra month.
7. Start packing, remembering to label your boxes
so you can unpack with ease. Plan on carrying irreplaceable and hard-to-replace
items with you (jewelry, photos, home videos, etc). Some state laws prohibit
the moving of houseplants-consider giving your plants to friends or family.
8. Arrange for utilities at your new location.
9. Give forwarding address to old employer, lawyer, accountant, etc.
10. Update e-mail address, if necessary. Let your online friends and contacts
know.
11. Close or transfer bank account, and get traveler's checks if needed.
Clear out your safety deposit box as well. Make sure you have money to pay
movers. (Some companies accept only cash.)
12. Notify the post office, and your insurance and credit card companies
of your move if you haven't yet.
13. Arrange for house cleaning after you move.
14. Back up your computer files before dissembling and packing your system.
15. Contact utilities to cancel or transfer accounts. You'll want utilities
on moving day, so arrange to disconnect them after your move date. Have
utilities connected in your new place the day before you move in.
16. Confirm your new address with the moving company. If moving your household
goods yourself, put heavier items in the front of the truck.
17. Be available when the moving truck arrives. Make sure all your boxes
have arrived undamaged before signing paperwork and letting movers leave.
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