Before you look at another house…

Here are 21 things you’d better know

about purchasing a property in Orlando!

Sally & Eric Martell Copyright © 2008

1. What the neighborhood and residents are like… are there certain features to the area that would affect the value of this property in the future?
2. What are the real estate taxes on this home?
3. What are the average utility costs?
4. What home repairs have been made in the past 2 years?
5. How far are schools, public transportation, shopping, and medical care?
6. What major repairs may be needed in the next 2 years?
7. What is the traffic flow in front of and near the property?
8. Are there any utility easements on the property? Are there any encroachments on the property?
9. Is there a recent survey?
10. Are there any recent roof or WDO inspections of the property?
11. Is there a homeowner’s disclosure statement available?
12. Who has the best mortgage rates and service?
13. How do you select the best lender?
14. How much are closing costs?
15. What are the other comparable sales in the area?
16. On the average, how flexible are sellers in their asking price? What is a good place to start when making an offer?
17. Is there any existing financing on the property that can be assumed?
18. Are there any problems with drainage or runoff after a heavy rain? Is the home in a flood zone?
19. Does the home show any signs of moisture infiltration? Any rotten wood? Any evidence of termites? Is it under a termite bond?
20. What is included in the sale? Are there any exclusions?
21. Does the agent you’re using offer a Buyer Satisfaction Guarantee? You should feel confident that your agent will work to help you get all the answers you need!

Fantasy versus Reality in Real Estate

Fantasy: An agent told me he could help me find a home for $10,000 less than anyone else!

Advice: Select an agent on credentials and references! How much you want to pay is a separate issue on which an agent should be able to provide expert advice.

Reality: Some agents may say almost anything to get a buyer and, if that’s the type they are, they may also attempt to get you to buy something that is not right for you.

The Martell Team: We make every effort to get you as much home as we can for your money. However, it is very rare for someone to “steal” a home. If a home is a truly great bargain, it won’t stay on the market for more than a few days and often the listing agent purchases it. We emphasize helping our buyers get good, solid value for their dollars!

Fantasy: Any agent will do to write a contract!

Advice: No! There is a huge difference between agents!

Reality: If you believe this, then you probably also believe that any medical doctor would be fine to do bypass surgery on you.

The Martell Team: We guarantee that we will work diligently to find the right home for you and we guarantee your satisfaction with our efforts!

Fantasy: Someone I met says I should be looking in another area of town from what the Martells recommend.

Advice: Drive to that area and look around, especially during rush hour!

Reality: Everyone you meet will have opinions.

The Martell Team: Since our success depends on your satisfaction, we take extreme care to insure that we give you the best advice possible. However, if you want to look in areas we haven’t recommended, we’ll set up property viewings in those areas.

Fantasy: If I wait until I “know” Orlando, I’ll make a better decision.

Advice: You should, at least, start the shopping procedure now.

Reality: The decision won’t be any easier to make then than now.

The Martell Team: We offer the best advice we can and we do our best to help insure that you will have good resale value in the property we recommend.