5 Things to Watch Out For in Finding Your Dream Place

Finding Your Dream Place in the Carolinas

 So, you’ve decided it’s time to find your Dream Place.  Congratulations!  You’ve looked through all the “Ten Best Places” lists, and have picked a couple of areas you like and are ready to look at homes in those areas.  Before you get too attached to any of them or get tied to a particular realtor, there are a few things you should keep in mind.  I’ve highlighted 5 important and often overlooked things to watch out for in finding your Dream Place.  If you want to know another 16 things to watch out for in finding your Dream Place, visit  www.PlacesOfValue.com and read about my “Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Dream Place in the Carolinas”.

1. Never sign a “dual agency” in which the same realtor represents the buyer and seller at the same time.  I’ve never heard of anything so ridiculous.  How can anyone ever represent two conflicting interests at the same time and end up with the right result for either party?  I’m sure the realtor who is trying to assume that position has an answer to that, but I’m telling you, don’t do it!
2. You can spend 10 to 15% of the cost of construction on a set of “signed and sealed” building plans, from a licensed architect, to build your house.  Many towns do not require a “signed and sealed” set of drawings, so you can save $30,000 on a house that costs $300,000 to build.
3. Have your attorney update the title report and survey, and check them for easements and rights-of-way that give other people rights to use your property.  You want to make sure the new home you’ve bought is not subject to the whims of other people.
4. Check to see if your property is in a flood plain.  If it is, can you get insurance and does it cover you for any mishaps?
5. If there’s an airport nearby, talk to the administrator to find out what the flight patterns are, and when flights are scheduled, so your quiet, peaceful, little hideaway stays that way. 

With these 5 tips, you’re able to pick the right real estate agent, save some serious cash on your building costs, protect yourself from the effects of natural disasters and make sure the property you buy is not affected by unseen circumstances.  There are many other factors to consider though.  Consider the land around your home.  What will your neighbors be allowed to do, and how will that affect your home and life?  How do you find out those little details the Realtor and Chamber of Commerce don’t tell you? 

If you’re a first time home buyer, or an experienced homeowner, there are so many things to keep in mind when planning a move.  It’s easy to forget about something, or overlook an important piece of information.  With over 30 years of experience in finding and researching the best locations for people, take my advice and visit www.PlacesOfValue.com for 16 more tips to help you find the best place for your Dream Home.  I’ve included more ways to save money (lots of it!) and protect your largest investment, ways to ensure that the home you buy today is the same home you’ll still love to live in 5 or 10 years from now, and who to talk to in order to find out all the information you need to make the right decision.  All the tips come from years of experience, and are there to assist you in one of the biggest decisions of your life, one you’ll be happy to live with.  Congratulations on entering one of the most exciting parts of life.  We’re here to help make your next move, your best move.

Visit www.PlacesOfValue.com for more articles on best places in North Carolina and South Carolina, relocation made easy, top retirement communities, cost of living, and designing and building your Dream Home.

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