As a realtor working with prospective buyers, here's the top essential inquiries to make the most informed decision about your potential property investment.
- Is this property in a flood zone? Even if there's no water around, it doesn't mean that water can't collect after a heavy rainfall based on grading of the land. It's always best to check with FEMA, the County, and even the local neighbors. Any good season real estate agent will do this on your behalf.
- If the property is within a mile of a train - commercial or Metra - or even near an airport, it's best to check the night paths and flight schedule so you know what to expect before purchasing the home.
- Visit the neighborhood during various times of the day throughout the week. Given the market we are in, that may be tough - so even during a one-day stint, drive there in the morning to see the hustle and bustle, what it's like in the afternoon, and at night to get a good feel for the area.
- Always make sure that at closing, you're not just going through the motions. Look for any important details that may be amiss, like loan terms or the recording name on the title is inaccurate. Check the details - it may seem tedious, but it's well worth it.
- Is this property in an HOA is a big question to ask! Making sure you have documentation of what is allowed and is not can make or break your future happiness living in a neighborhood that bans certain plans you had to living in your home. For example, if you purchase a two-car garage and need that extra space for your lawnmower and snowblower - but can't build a shed on the property, that may be a tough one to swallow.
Always ask your real estate agent what questions I am not asking or what I should be doing that I'm not thinking of. A real estate agent like me will always be forthcoming with this information whether my clients do it or not - my role is to place them in the best position possible.
Call me for a free consultation to discuss different neighborhoods around Lake County, McHenry County, and Cook County, Illinois.
In good health,
Daniel Henry, Realtor, AH Heritage Home Group of Coldwell Banker