4 Home Buying Steps That Have to Happen Before You Move In
Purchasing a new home can be both an exciting yet stressful process all at once. Moving or getting used to a new place can cause some anxiety. There could be dozens of small things that one can overlook before they get the keys. While moving in is the beginning of the setup stage, there are still a few things that need to take place before that.
Get a Professional Inspection
Some people like to assume that the seller will invest in a proper home inspection by the time interested parties come in for a viewing. Although this is true in many cases, it never hurts to hire your own inspector as the buyer. It is a good idea to set up an inspection even if the home you’re moving to is brand new. Even recent homes that haven’t been lived in yet can have unexpected issues. Your inspector can also note any possible code violations that should be remedied before you move.
Audit the Energy
Some people might be concerned about how their energy bills at the new home might be higher than the old place. If you have some anxiety about this, you can put some of that to bed by ordering your own energy audit. Such an audit is an assessment performed by an expert, and it determines how efficient homes are with regard to energy usage. The audit shows problematic areas that you might be able to fix in order to save some money on bills. Sealing cracks that leak air or insulating the attic are just a couple of examples that you might see with this assessment. Although most energy audits have a fee attached, some companies offer them for free.
Start an Insurance Policy
If you don’t already have a good policy for home insurance, putting one in place before you move to a new location is a great step. The last thing you want is to wake up in your house to find that a major appliance such as the boiler just isn’t working properly. Most insurance policies for homeowners will cover the repair costs for items like these.
Hire Attorneys
An attorney is there to protect you during the home buying process, and it isn’t uncommon for the seller to have one as well. Even if everything goes smoothly, an attorney can be instrumental in the closing part of the deal. There are several real estate documents that have to change hands before you move in. An attorney can legally draft or revise certain documents as needed. They can also help you understand everything in what you sign.
The financial and legal processes involved in buying your new home can be complex or nuanced, but they all serve important functions designed to protect you from errors or liability in the event of a problem. If you do find issues with your home, you may be able to negotiate with the seller for things like reduced closing costs or repair credits.