Do you think you’ve found your dream house in Palm Desert? If so, we hope you’ve followed the tips for buying homes in parts one and two of this blog series, and are ready for the next few tips we have to share. Whether you’re seeking luxury properties in La Quinta, Indian Wells real estate or a vacation home in another area of the Coachella Valley, you’ll definitely benefit from preparing yourself as much as possible.
1. Set up a home inspection. If you really think you’ve found that dream house in Palm Desert, then schedule an inspection as soon as you can—it is by far one of the best ways to protect yourself. A proper inspector or engineer will examine the premises thoroughly and be able to identify issues that you may not be able with an untrained eye. Typically, an inspector will evaluate the interior plumbing, electrical systems, insulation, air conditioning, heating systems, and all aspects of the visible structure.
2. Make adjustments. If problems are found during the inspection, don’t freak out. This is a great opportunity to make adjustments in the price based on the potential costs of future repairs
3. Make a fair offer. Once you’ve incorporated the home inspection findings into your budget, have your agent or short sale realtor help you establish the price you’re willing to pay for the house. In addition to the home inspection findings, factor in the prices of similar houses recently sold in the neighborhood. For example, if you’ve been scouting luxury properties in La Quinta and found one you want to make an offer on, have your real estate professional investigate the sales of equivalent properties in the last six months.
4. Investigate homeowners insurance. If you’re ready to make an offer, start getting quotes immediately for homeowner’s insurance so that you can determine a real budget. This is different than renter’s insurance, as you want to insure the structure, not just the possessions and contents of the home. Be sure to take into account weather and climate related issues relevant to the particular area, such as flooding, earthquakes, tornados and hurricanes.
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