You can email me Jenniferfugazzi@aol.com or reach me at 1-580-484-7536 just ask for Jennifer.
After hours call 1-580-234-0333
Licensed in the state of Oklahoma
225 W. Cherokee Ave.
Enid, OK 73701
580-237-6200
Jennifer Fugazzi RealtorŪ
Questions
Every Buyer Should Ask
When you're in the market for a home, it seems as if there are millions of
questions to ask -- and no doubt plenty more. As buyers we become so wrapped up
in the physical aspects of the house -- the rooms, amenities, and structure --
that we give less attention to quiet issues which may strongly impact our
ability to enjoy a home.
What kinds of factors
will affect your quality of life? The obvious ones are the first to come to
mind: the distance to work, the special programs available through the local
school system, and neighborhood shopping and recreation.
Those factors, while
important, may not touch the issues specific to your situation.
Consider the thousands of
families who have an aging parent residing with them. The average age of our
population has grown older, meaning we are living longer lives, spending longer
periods as widows and widowers, and increasingly choosing to take up residence
with our children. In such situations, the distance from our homes to the
nearest hospital is vitally important.
Public transportation is
also something we tend to overlook in a nation of drivers. As more of us get
older, many elect not to drive, thus nearby public transportation becomes
important --especially if buses stop frequently.
Public safety is a major
issue, and proximity to police stations, emergency medical services and fire
houses is important. Community groups -- including homeowner associations, PTAs,
and a neighborhood crime-watch -- are also important.
No one wants to hassle
with parking issues, so what is the parking situation? What if you have guests.
Take note of any parking restrictions, which could result in a visitor's car --
or your car -- being towed from in front of your house.
What about trash
pick-ups? Okay, this isn't a glorious subject, but consider the alternative. In
rural areas there are often communal dumpster zones to which residents haul
trash. If the community will pick-up from you, great. If they recycle, better.
Check for pick-up dates, if Mondays ask how holidays are handled.
Is the area impacted by
local conservation efforts? For example, what about water supplies in the
summer? Electric power?
If you're moving to a new
community you might look forward to such recreational facilities as clubhouses,
playgrounds, exercise rooms and other offerings. Before you sign on the dotted
line, check out the "fine print" details. Is use free or an additional
cost? Are there plans to build a playground or other amenity next to the
property you want to purchase? Do you regard a playground as a convenience or
noisy problem? What about that nice stand of trees behind the lot where you want
to build -- is that land being preserved or will a zoning change allow it to
become a gas station next year?
Another issue concerns
property taxes: You know what the owners pay today, but is that what you will
pay tomorrow? Property tax rules may allow special benefits for older citizens,
veterans, or long-time residents -- benefits which may not apply to you.
Here's one more: That
nice condo or homeowner association you're thinking about. You know about their
assessments now, but are they planning a "special" assessment soon? If
yes, you could be out big money (or you could make an offer which is discounted
to reflect the cost of the special assessment).
Are there more questions
to ask? You bet. But the ones above are a good place to start.