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Once you know how
much you can and want to invest, the next step is to
find the properties that most nearly fit your needs.
La Palma has many resources to assist you in that search.
Sometimes the property you are seeking is available
but not actively advertised in the market, and it will
take some investigation by your agent to find all available
properties.
Your job is to
make the final selection of the right property for you.
This is when excitement and emotion run high. Your real
estate agent can assist you in the selection process
by providing objective information about each property.
Agents who have access to a variety of informational
resources can provide local community information on
utilities, zoning, schools, etc. There are two things
you'll want to know. First, will the property provide
the environment I want for a home or investment? Second,
will the property have resale value when I am ready
to sell.
There are negotiating
factors, including, but not limited to price, financing,
ters, date of possession, and often the inclusion or
exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The
purchase agreement should also provide a period of time
for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations
of the property before you are bound to complete the
purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations
and inspections are recommended or required.
With a negotiated agreement in
hand, it is time to complete the evaluation of the property.
Depending on the area and property, this could include
inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty
structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests,
just to name a few. Your agent can assist you in finding
qualified responsible professionals to do most of these
investigations and provide you with written reports.
You will also want to see a preliminary report on the
title of the property. Title indicates ownership of
property and can be mired in confusing status of past
owners or rights of access. The title to most properties
will have some limitations; for example, easements (access
rights) for utilities. Your agent, title company, or
attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause
problems at a later time. |
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