Buying real estate is likely the costliest purchase you will make. When you consider specific properties, you need to ensure that you’re making a purchase that’s in your best interests. You must do due diligence on the property you’re going to make an offer on.
You need to consider several things if you’re doing your due diligence on a property to purchase. Each of these factors has a direct impact on whether the property is a good investment or not. Here are two big steps you don’t want to skip:
Title check
The title of the home is vital. The last thing you need is to find out that there’s a lien on the property, a boundary dispute or that there’s a problem with the chain of ownership. If you’re purchasing the home using a mortgage, the lender will require you to have a title search done before you can close on the home. That title search checks public records to find out about unpaid liabilities or other problems that could affect your legal entitlement to the property after the purchase.
Home inspection
A good home inspection can let you know if anything needs to be addressed. Inspectors look for things like foundation defects, plumbing problems, roof issues, or trouble with the air conditioning or heating unit. If the inspection unearths anything, you may be able to get the seller to fix the problems or get money off the purchase price of the home.
Protecting yourself must be your priority when you’re looking to purchase real estate. Working with someone familiar with the process may help to reduce some of the stress. It’s especially beneficial to have someone review the contracts and other documents before you sign them.
