Finding a home you like is exciting, but liking the property is only the beginning. Before making an offer, it is worth slowing down and gathering as much relevant information as possible. An offer can create important financial and legal commitments, so buyers should understand not only the home itself, but also the circumstances surrounding the sale. Here are some of the questions worth asking before you move forward. Why Is the Seller Moving? You may not always receive a detailed... [read more]

Heating and cooling systems are easy to overlook during a home viewing. Buyers are usually more focused on the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and overall layout. But the systems that keep a home comfortable throughout the year can also become an important part of the cost of ownership. Before making an offer, it is worth understanding what equipment the home uses, how old it is, and whether there are any signs that it may need attention. Find Out What System the Home Uses Start by... [read more]

A roof is one of the parts of a home that buyers often notice only when there is a problem. When a property has an older roof, it is easy to assume that replacement is immediately necessary. But age alone does not tell the whole story. The important questions are how old the roof is, what condition it is in, whether there are signs of previous or current problems, and how much remaining service life it may reasonably have. Find Out How Old the Roof Is Start by asking when the roof... [read more]

When buying a home, you may hear an offer described as either “firm” or “conditional.” The difference can have a significant impact on both the buyer and the seller. A conditional offer includes one or more conditions that must be dealt with according to the terms of the agreement before the transaction becomes firm. A firm offer does not contain those conditions and represents a greater level of commitment from the buyer when it is accepted. Neither approach is... [read more]

When you make an offer on a home, you may hear terms such as “financing condition,” “home inspection condition,” or “conditional offer.” For buyers who are new to real estate, these terms can be confusing. A condition is essentially a requirement that must be satisfied before the transaction becomes firm under the terms of the agreement. Conditions can give a buyer time to complete important checks or obtain confirmation before committing to the... [read more]