homes for sale

Let’s talk about home inspections. Selling a home? Get a free home value report Buying a home? Search all homes for sale Beyond a general home inspection, there are several specific inspections buyers may choose to conduct while under contract. Radon inspections, termite inspections, and others are all options, depending on the features of the property and the buyer’s concerns. If, during a general inspection, the home inspector finds fault with any of the features they examine, additional inspections may be ordered to further evaluate the specific issue. When specific issues are uncovered, it can be beneficial to have a specialized expert take a closer look. Even in the case of new construction homes, the issues an inspection can uncover will more than justify the cost of the process. A home inspection usually costs around $500, with additional inspections costing between $100 and $150. Some buyers wonder why they can’t just inspect the home on their own. Technically this is an option, but if the buyer plans to use the inspection report to pursue negotiations with the seller, a licensed inspector is best. “WHEN SPECIFIC ISSUES ARE UNCOVERED, IT CAN BE BENEFICIAL TO HAVE A SPECIALIZED EXPERT TAKE A CLOSER LOOK.” It isn’t only buyers who can order a home inspection. Many sellers have asked me recently if they should order one before listing their property. This isn’t always advisable, but if a home is more than 10 years old, there are absolutely some advantages to doing so. When a seller orders an inspection before listing, they can get issues addressed ahead of time. It also gives them more leverage in terms of marketing the home. These are just a few key points on what you need to know about home inspections. If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Today I want to give you some insider tips on what you should demand of your real estate agent. These tips can save you tens of thousands when buying or selling a home, so it’s something you’re going to want to pay attention to. 1. Make sure your agent is truthful about the price of your home. Having an agent come in and give you a price just because they want to get the listing or just because it’s what you want to hear will not be beneficial in the long run. Many studies have shown over many years that when you overprice a property, it can quickly become stale. The longer it sits on the market, the less likely you are to get a good price. Being truthful about your home’s value is an invaluable quality for an agent to have. 2. Make sure you know what their list-to-sale price ratio is. The higher the number, the more likely you are to get a good price. Our market’s average is around 94% right now, but our team is hovering at 98%. That’s extra money for our sellers and a quicker home sale, too. “Don’t hire an agent without making these demands.” 3. Know what their home searching strategies are. Other than an automated search in the MLS, you wanna make sure your agent is active and out in the market looking for homes for you. You don’t want an agent who will haul you around and hope you buy a home. You want an agent who is looking for the exact type of home you want via circle prospecting, door knocking, and even cold calling. We’ll be able to tell you about homes before they hit the market. 4. Alleviate as many roadblocks as possible. We refer to this in our business as the “88 types of turbulence.” We have found 88 different roadblocks that most commonly derail transactions. We make our buyers aware of these to make the process less stressful. 5. You need a full-time agent. Another big question you should be asking right off the bat is, “Are you a full-time or part-time agent?” Anybody can be a part-time agent. You want a full-time agent working for you. An agent that sells a lot more than the four or five home average. These are just a few demands you should be making of your real estate agent. If you want to learn more or if you have any questions, give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you.

How will the new tax laws impact homeownership in 2018? There have been some significant changes to the tax reform bill since it was originally proposed. For this reason, we highly recommend you speak with your accountant about how you may be personally affected. On a wider scale, though, there are some things we should all be aware of. “We highly recommend you speak with your accountant about how you may be personally affected.” The No. 1 rule change people have been talking about is the one pertaining to interest deduction. Now, interest deduction will be capped at $750,000. So if you’re purchasing a home in 2018, keep in mind that you won’t be able to deduct interest on any property priced above that cap. If you are buying a second home, then the $750,000 cap pertains to the combined value of the two homes. Another important change is that you can now no longer deduct interest corresponding to finances such as tuition. Moving expenses are also no longer deductible. However, you can still reduce moving costs if you are an active duty military member. Also, deductions from real estate taxes are now capped at $10,000. If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Did you know that there are five things you can do to reduce your energy costs this winter? We’ve seen some record-low temperatures these past couple of weeks, and these tips can help you save money on your bills for the rest of the season. 1. Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans.This will draw the cool air upwards and push the hot air down. Make sure that the fan is on a low speed, not high speed. 2. Check your doors for drafts. If you feel air coming through, especially on a windy day, get a door sweep to block that air flow. Also be sure to check your weather stripping. “These tips can help you save money on your bills for the rest of the season.” 3. Make sure that your air filters are clean to help hot air flow. If the filter is blocked, it will reduce the amount of warm air that reaches each room and increase the amount of energy it will take to heat your house. 4. Insulate your outlets. This will require an electricians help, but you can remove the covers on your outlets, install insulators, and then put the cover back on. This is another area where cool air from the outdoors can seep in. 5. Check your ductwork and insulation. You can purchase special tape and sealants at most hardware stores that you can use to cover voids in your ducts to promote flow so that warm air isn’t just leaking into your basement. Try to stay warm this winter! If you have any questions about this or other topics, feel free to reach out to us. We’ll help you any way we can.

Today I’m going to give you a market update of where we’ve been in 2017 and where we’re headed in 2018. As we all know, the real estate market and the financial market have been doing very well over the past 12 months. The numbers continue to back this up. In Bucks County alone, we’ve seen a 5% increase in median home prices in the last year. When it comes to inventory, we’ve seen a 15% drop in the past year. This is what’s driving prices up. More homes sold and fewer homes on the market equals rising prices. “Right now is a great time to sell.” In Montgomery County, we’ve also seen about a 4.5% median increase in sale prices over the past year. If you’d like to get any more specific market data on your neighborhood, your township, or your school district, we’d be happy to provide you with those. Just give us a call or send us an email. A lot of people also ask me around this time of year if it’s a good idea to sell their home. Right now, I’d say yes. There are not many homes on the market right now, but low interest rates are still driving buyers in the market. I think December is going to be a great month for us in the end. If you’re thinking about moving, getting your home on the market now will allow you to beat the rush of sellers that will list when the spring hits. If you have any other questions for me or need any real estate advice, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. I would love to hear from you.

Here are five tips you as a pet owner should heed during your home search to ensure that your new home works out for both you and your pet. 1. Make sure you know the laws. Pet restrictions are town-wide, and zoning restrictions need to be looked at because each zone in each town has different requirements and regulations. For example, the town I live in doesn’t allow chickens in certain areas of it. You may not consider a chicken a pet, but a lot of people have them, and they’re considered a domestic pet in certain towns and locations. 2. Understand your yard use and fencing ability. If you’re buying in a single-family home area or a condo area, there will be different regulations concerning what you can do with your yard. Even with single-family homes, you need to make sure you understand where you can put a fence and how you can construct that fence. With condos and duplexes, you may not have the ability to put up a fence, or if you do, you might only be in a certain area. “Pets are an important part of our lives, so keep these tips in consideration when buying a home.” 3. Choose the right location. Obviously, neighborhoods with sidewalks are very desirable for pet owners. Living next to a busy road with a pet who needs to go out a lot, however, can be difficult and potentially dangerous for that pet. Living by a forest or a natural habitat can also be dangerous if you own a smaller pet because wild animals may live in close proximity. 4. Make sure your house has a pet-friendly floor plan. Condos and townhomes can have smaller, tighter floor plans, which can be inconvenient if you have a large pet. Even floor plans for single-family homes can be tight for larger animals. Your pet should have enough room to move around, and you shouldn’t have to worry about tripping over them. 5. Ask yourself if your pet can handle your home’s stairs, especially if your pet is older or doesn’t have healthy legs. If you buy a home that has a drive-under garage that forces you to walk up a flight of stairs just to get to the first floor, that might be difficult for your pet. If you have any questions about this topic or you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in our market, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d be happy to help you.

If you are selling your home in the fall and winter, there are a few things you need to do in order to be successful. I have seven tips to share with you today. 1) Take photos of your home according to the season. Try to take pictures of your home while the trees are still full of leaves and color, before things start to look barren. If you miss that time frame and head into winter, make sure to take really clean landscape shots. If there is snow on the ground, take pictures after a fresh snow with clean driveways and walkways. If you take pictures at dusk when there is snow on the ground, those can be really beautiful. Don’t photograph your home on a blah day with gray skies and leaves all over the ground. 2) Go easy on the holiday decorations. We want you to celebrate and enjoy the holiday season with your family, but if your home is on the market, tone those decorations down. Keep things tasteful and minimal so they aren’t overbearing in photos or during showings. 3) Don’t forget about your curb appeal. Just because it’s winter and there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean you can stop taking care of curb appeal. If you have peeling paint, take care of that before it’s too cold. Replace that broken-down mailbox and fix your fence. All of those little things need to be addressed even if there is snow on the ground. “Make sure your driveway and walkways are clear of ice and snow.” 4) Safety matters. When the snow or freezing rain comes down, it’s up to you to keep your driveway and walkways clear of snow and ice. Your walkways need to be free and clear of anything that might cause people to slip and fall. After all, you are inviting people into your home to look at it and potentially buy it, so that is an open liability. If you think buyers may walk around out in the backyard on the patio, make sure that is free of snow and ice as well. 5) Invest in a good indoor mat. When people come inside your house, they will track snow, ice, water, and salt into your home. It can be difficult to ask people to remove their shoes in the winter since most of them are wearing boots, so have a mat or two ready for them to clean off their shoes.   6) Keep the entryway of your home neat and clean. If your family usually dumps all of their shoes, coats, and backpacks in the entryway, consider moving them to the garage or get everything put away. Your entryway needs to be free and clear during showings. After all, buyers may want a place to hang their own coat while they look at your home. 7) Light up the home. Make sure your home is well-lit, especially if you have a showing after the sun goes down. Turn on all of the lights so that people can see the front door. Don’t leave buyers and agents fumbling for the light switch. Let them see a warm, inviting home while it’s dark outside. If you have any other questions about putting your home on the market this time of year, just give me a call or send me an email. I would be happy to help you!

If you are preparing your home for the market, you need to check on your crawl space. Selling a home? Get a free home value report Buying a home? Search all homes for sale You may say, “Why would I even want to think about the crawl space? I don’t want to go look at it. There are spiders down there!” I completely understand where you are coming from. Like the saying goes: Out of sight, out of mind. However, we’ve had several clients experience delays and costly surprises during their transactions thanks to their crawl space. These issues could have been avoided with some preparation up front. When you look at your crawl space, there are a few things to watch out for. “AVOID COSTLY REPAIRS AND DELAYS BY CHECKING OUT THE CRAWL SPACE UP FRONT.” 1. The insulation is hanging down. If you see this, that could mean that moisture levels have risen above the acceptable level. If that’s the case, you should also look for small leaks in any pipes and get those taken care of. Check for water around the foundation as well. It could be that your gutters are clogged, that your downspouts aren’t draining properly, or that you need extensions for your downspouts. 2. Is your vapor barrier in good condition? The vapor barrier should not be torn. Make sure that it is spread out evenly and that it covers the majority of the dirt floor in the crawl space. 3. Termite bond. If you have a company that checks your property, they will do moisture readings in the crawl space. A lack of moisture helps prevent termites. If you don’t have a termite bond, it might be worth your while to get a termite inspection before you put your home on the market. These are just a few things you can do to avoid any delays or costly repairs once you get your home on the market and under contract. If you have any other questions about crawl space maintenance or preparing your home for the market, just give me a call or send me an email. I would be happy to help you!

The moving process can be very stressful. Thankfully, you can simplify it using these four tips. 1. Get ready now. Whether you’re moving in six months or six years, get started as soon as possible. Taking some time to prepare will mean you aren’t stressing out about getting things done at the last minute. The first thing you’re going to want to do is organize things into four piles: the keep pile, the giveaway pile, the maybe pile, and the trash pile. If you aren’t moving for at least a year, put the maybe pile into boxes and then put them away. If you don’t touch the boxes for 12 months, it’s probably safe to donate or get rid of the items. “Don’t make things stressful for yourself right before your moving date by putting off these tasks.” 2. Try to be patient while you go through everything. There are a lot of things you’re going to be looking through. Photos, documents, and more will all need to be sorted. Make sure you give yourself adequate time to do so. Once things are sorted, it helps to put them into clear plastic bags or into marked boxes. 3. Get rid of old magazines and documents. A lot of people keep too much paper. These things have likely been sitting around for too long, so it may be time to see what can be let go of. Shred things you don’t keep, and organize the rest. 4. Do it now. This is best and most valuable of all these tips. Don’t make things stressful for yourself right before your moving date by putting off these tasks. Take care of important tasks now, instead of later. If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Although spring is traditionally considered the best time to sell a home, today I’m excited to share the top 10 reasons you should consider listing in the next few months before the spring market hits. Selling a home? Get a free home value report Buying a home? Search all homes for sale 10. You will have the opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer in the spring. In the spring, there are more homes available on the market. By listing now, you can sell high and buy low in the spring. 9. You can restrict showings during the holidays. They don’t have to upset your family time. 8. January is when employees start new jobs. Since transfer employees can’t wait until spring to buy, you’ll need to be on the market at the end of the year to capture those buyers. 7. People are looking to buy for tax reasons. 6. People have more time to look for homes. Because people often take off work during the holidays, they will be freer to spend time searching the market than other times of the year. “LESS COMPETITION ON THE MARKET MEANS MORE EYES ON YOUR PROPERTY.” 5. Buyers are more emotional. During the holidays, people become sentimental and may be more likely to pay a higher price. 4. Houses show better when they are decorated for the holidays. Everyone loves seasonal decor, so homes at this time of year are more attractive. 3. Supply will dramatically increase as the spring market ramps up in January. This will lead to less demand, and less demand means less money in your pocket. 2. Serious buyers have fewer options. During fall and winter months, there is less competition on the market. This puts your listing at an advantage. 1. People who look for homes at this time of year are much more serious about buying. If you have any other questions or would like more information about selling your home this time of year, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

There is a lot that goes into the process of buying a home. Also, the expenses of owning a home go beyond what many expect. Today, I wanted to go over five expenses that first-time homebuyers often forget about. 1. Closing costs. Oftentimes, people tend to forget that closing on a home costs more than just the down payment. The costs for your appraisal, insurance, and more can add up to an additional $5,000 to $7,000 on top of your down payment. 2. Home maintenance. Once you’ve purchased a property, you’re going to need to maintain it. Talk to people in your life who already own property about the costs associated with this kind of upkeep. This will give you a better idea of what to expect. You want to keep your home in good condition so that it maintains its value. “The expenses of owning a home go beyond what many expect.” 3. Property taxes. A value assessed by your city or town combined with a determined rate will equate to your tax bill. Most of the time, this is going to be paid quarterly. Sometimes your taxes are rolled into your mortgage, and sometimes they are not. Paying your taxes is a serious obligation, so make sure you understand and pay them. 4. Utilities. Things like gas, electric, cable, and more are going to add up. They are not cheap. The cost to run a home is going to be more expensive than the cost to run a small apartment. 5. Do you have an additional HOA fee or condo fee? This fee will be a monthly expense that you want to consider if they are applicable to you. If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

In a real estate transaction there are many types of agency, but today we’re going to focus on buyer agency. When you first meet with a real estate agent, you will be provided with a consumer notice. This consumer notice will help explain the different agencies in Pennsylvania. Next, the agent will go over any questions you may have and will eventually ask you to sign a buyer agency contract. But before you sign this contract, make sure you are comfortable with the agent. This contract does bind you to working with them, so it’s important you feel secure moving forward with your decision. Also, pay attention to the length of time the contract commits you for. The amount of time you’re locked in for could be fairly short, but it can also be a maximum of one year. Never rush into a contract you aren’t comfortable with. “Never rush into a contract you aren’t comfortable with.” You may want to think about interviewing multiple agents before committing to a specific professional. If you do work with an agent before signing a contract, it’s important to realize they are then working for the seller. Without any agency established on your behalf, you aren’t being represented. My team and I understand what an important decision this is. For this reason, we provide a loyalty agreement with a cancellation guarantee when you work with us. We do this so that you don’t feel pressured into signing any long-term contracts. We hope to perform to a standard that you’re happy with but if this isn’t the case for any reason, it’s important to us that you have peace of mind in knowing you can cancel anytime. If you have any other questions or would like more information feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Given the time of year, now is a great time to go over some tips for keeping homes energy efficient in the fall and winter. 1. Use the earth’s natural heat to help warm your home. In the summer months, we draw the curtains to keep the sun out and allow the air conditioning to run better. In the winter, do the opposite. Open up all of your blinds and shades so that your furnace doesn’t need to work so hard. 2. Insulate the windows. Making sure your windows are well-insulated and well-sealed is very important. Having thick, solid window coverings can really help to keep the cold out and the heat in. “Little changes will really add up in helping you save.” 3. Have your HVAC system cleaned and serviced. I’ve been to many homes where the owners had never had this done. Having the dirt and grime cleaned out of your HVAC system as well as having someone tune it up to make sure it’s working properly are two things that can make a big difference in the efficiency of your home. This should be done on an annual basis. 4. Turning down or programming the thermostat. A lot of people without programmable thermostats leave their temperature set at a certain level all day long. If you aren’t even home to enjoy the comfortable level your thermostat is set at, why not crank it down by five or 10 degrees in your absence? Little changes like this will really add up in helping you save. A programmable or smart thermostat is even better. 5. Don’t heat unused space. If you’ve got rooms or areas that never get used in your home, why waste energy heating the space? Close the doors and shut the vents in those rooms and areas. Heating unused rooms is a giant waste that many people are guilty of doing. If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

When selling your home, it is very important that you price it properly. The success of many other facets of your home sale boils down to whether you price your home properly or not. Studies show time and time again that if you overprice your property, you’ll likely sell it for below its market value. “Overpricing your home will cause it to sit on the market longer.” Overpricing your home will cause it to sit on the market longer, which will force you to go through several different price reductions. These price reductions will make the home look stale, and the longer your home stays on the market, the more apt buyers are to think there’s something wrong with it. Furthermore, they’ll assume they’ll be able to lowball you due to the perceived lack of interest in the home. This is why I advise all sellers to sit down with their agent and set an appropriate price for their home. Not doing so can cost you up to tens of thousands of dollars. If you have any questions, you’d like to know the market value of your home, or you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in our market, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to help you.

A lot of homebuyers fail to realize that their home expenses don’t start and stop with their mortgage payment. There’s much more to being a homeowner than that. Here are five expenses that all homeowners have in addition to their mortgage: 1. Closing costs. When you decide on a home, you’ll get an estimate of the closing costs. The estimate will break down what you need to bring to closing and what the mortgage company is giving you. 2. Maintenance costs. This can vary depending on the home, but you should budget for at least 1% to 2% of the home’s value each year to be used on maintenance costs. “The average American spends $3,000 per year on utilities” 3. Utilities. The national average is nearly $3,000 per year. If you want to get a better idea of what the utilities will cost in the home you’re interested in, you can always ask your agent to get that information from the seller. 4. Taxes. These will be escrowed into your mortgage. 5. Homeowners insurance. The national average for homeowners insurance is around $1,100 per year. Check with your insurance agent regarding the coverage you have. I hope you find these tips useful. If you have any questions or would like any more tips, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

I was just talking recently with a past client, Lori, who had a great idea. As you may know, we do have a newsletter available. Selling a home? Get a free home value report Buying a home? Search all homes for sale “NOW WE HAVE ARCHIVES OF OUR PAST AND CURRENT NEWSLETTERS ON THE BLOG.” This newsletter contains information on the market, vendors, local happenings, and success stories as well. This brings me to Lori’s great idea. It all started when she realized she’d gone to work without bringing along our newsletter. For this reason, she suggested that we find a way to put copies of our newsletter up on our blog. So, my team and I made it happen. Now we have archives of our past and current newsletters on the blog. For those of you who don’t receive our newsletter, please let me know and I’ll get you on the list. If you have any great ideas like this one or a question you’d like to see in our video, we’d love to hear it. If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

If you’ve sold your house, how can you have a stress-free move and be prepared on the day of the actual settlement? There are a few things you need to remember. First, you have to find the right moving company. When looking for a moving company, you want to make sure you protect yourself. You can follow one of your Realtor’s recommendations, but you also want to get more than one bid. When accepting bids, beware of any lowball offers. If a company tells you they can move your things for a lot less than the competition, it will usually end up costing you more if you hire them. “When looking for a moving company, make sure you protect yourself.” Also, make sure the company you’re considering hiring is licensed and insured. Go online and check for reviews of their service and see if there are any complaints against them. Once the movers are set in place, have a contingency plan in place. What happens that day if the truck doesn’t show up? If—for whatever reason—the movers can’t move that day, what will you do? If you follow these tips, your move should go smoothly. If you have any questions about finding the right moving company or the moving process in general, don’t hesitate to give me a call or shoot me an email. I’d be glad to help.

The first impression people have of your home will be based on its curb appeal. Today, I’ve got some easy ways to add some vibrancy to the exterior of your property. Buying a Milford home? Get a full Home Search Selling your Milford home? Get a free Home Value Report When people see your home, their first impression will be based on the exterior. For this reason, curb appeal is incredibly important. Today, I’ve got some quick fixes and simple tips that you can use to boost the curb appeal of your property. If your home is looking a little drab, you should focus on ways to make a quick impact on the home. To do this, you should determine if the exterior of the home needs a fresh coat of paint or be power washed. Paint can actually go a long way in improving the appearance of a home. However, take your time. Don’t merely throw on a coat of paint. Before you do, make sure to scrape off the old paint in places where it might cause unsightly texture beneath the fresh coat. Take your time when power washing, too. “A LITTLE FRESH PAINT CAN GO A LONG WAY.” But what if it’s your yard that is lacking luster? If you have an upcoming home showing and lack the time to mulch, you still have options. Getting already potted plants to put outside your home can add a lot of vibrancy to your home’s curb appeal. Also remember not to neglect the appearance of your front door. As the entrance to your home, your front door is the focal point of your home. Repainting can go a long way, but sometimes a total replacement is a better option. It all depends on the condition of your home and the door itself. The final way to boost your curb appeal is something many people forget: your mailbox. Your mailbox is a feature of your home that people see easily as they drive past or approach your home. While most people tend not to notice a mailbox, they will certainly pay attention to one that is especially attractive. For a quick, easy impact on your front yard—update your mailbox. If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Why is being a represented buyer so important to the purchase of a new construction home? There are more reasons than you may think. Selling a home? Get a free home value report Buying a home? Search all homes for sale If you have been considering purchasing a new home, it’s absolutely vital that you hire an agent to represent you. Even if you are not in the market for a new home at the moment, this information may still be pertinent to you in the future. As of late, many people have begun to shift the focus of their home search from resale properties to new construction. In the majority of popular price ranges in 2017, in fact, one in every three homes sold is a new construction. New construction purchases are becoming more and more popular as time goes on. What does all of this mean in terms of you hiring your own agent? First of all, the builder rep, or on-site agent, has a fiduciary responsibility to the seller. An on-site agent is there with the express purpose of getting the best deal for the seller—they are simply not looking out for your best interests. “HAVING AN EXTRA SET OF EYES AND EARS ON THE BUILDING PROCESS WILL BE EXTREMELY HELPFUL.” Only your own agent will truly work toward getting you the best deal. Nevertheless, one of the primary reasons people tend to believe they should forego representation is cost. The cost of hiring an agent, however, is massively inconsequential compared to the money, opportunity, and peace of mind you gain from professional representation in a real estate transaction. As a matter of fact, the on-site agent, as well, would prefer you have representation. Working directly with another agent will not only help you but also everyone involved, to achieve as smooth a deal as possible. Another factor to consider in terms of cost is that add-ons, like fencing, could push the price of the property above what it was listed at. Even though you may be paying a slightly higher price, working with an agent will still greatly aid you in obtaining the greatest value possible. But, financial benefits are not all you gain from being represented. Having an extra set of eyes and ears on the building process will be extremely helpful in making sure that you are protected. If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Today I wanted to take some time to talk to you about some things you should consider before buying a property governed by a homeowner’s association. Buying a Milford home? Get a full Home Search Selling your Milford home? Get a free Home Value Report Before you purchase a property with an HOA, I’ve listed five things that you should take into consideration: 1. What is the cost of the association? What are the monthly costs going to be and what will be included in the membership? The HOA membership dues are an automatic payment that you will need to pay on top of your mortgage payment and other taxes, so make sure it’s something that you can budget in and are comfortable with. 2. Understand what you’re actually paying for and what you’re obligated to do in regards to maintenance or upkeep. There are certain HOAs that are going to take care of all the groundskeeping, and others that will require you to take care of it yourself. 3. What are the rules? Understanding those rules and regulations will help you make a better decision about the neighborhood you’re moving into. Sometimes it will be in regards to what facilities you can use and when they’re open. Other times it will be about which days you can set out your trash, where you can park specific vehicles (or if you can park commercial vehicles in the driveway at all), and other regulations. If you don’t follow the HOA rules, then it could result in fines or expulsion from the HOA. “UNDERSTANDING THOSE RULES AND REGULATIONS WILL HELP YOU MAKE A BETTER DECISION ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD YOU’RE MOVING INTO.” 4. Are you happy with the way a property looks? When you’re buying a property with an HOA, you more than likely won’t have control over certain things, like the colors of the house or front door, what can be hung from the porch, or if you can have a screen door. Make sure that you like the way everything looks when you buy your property, because you may not be able to change it. 5. Can you get involved in the HOA? Is it a small board or more of an open, town hall feel? See if you’re able to join that HOA so you can have a say in how it impacts your neighborhood. Be sure to consider these things carefully before purchasing a home. If you have any additional questions or you’re looking to buy or sell a home, please give me a call. I’d be happy to help!