Here are ten important questions you should ask before deciding on a home and why you should ask them.

Property Specific

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How long has the property been on the market?
Why: The length of time a property has been on the market may indicate the seller's willingness to negotiate.

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Has there been any price reductions during the listing period?
Why: The amount of any price reduction, as it relates to the overall purchase price, may indicate the seller's desire to attract an offer.

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Have there been any other offers on the property?
Why: It will be helpful to know what offers may have been turned down and for what reasons.

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What is the motivation of the seller?
Why: Motivation is a key element in any negotiation. As an example, if the seller has already purchased a new property, your ability to close quickly may be an attractive element of the negotiations.

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What personal items are included in the sale?
Why: Anything the seller is willing to leave behind that you won't need to buy when you move in has real value. Consider those items in your offer.

Neighborhood Specific

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What is the price range of sold properties in the area?
Why: This information is important since it will indicate the top and bottom of that specific market.

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What is the average time on the market for properties in this area?
Why: Short market times may indicate a seller's market. If this is the case, you may face competition from other buyers.

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What is the list to sale price ratio is this area?
Why: This information will indicate the seller's past willingness to negotiate and by how much.

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What is the average sales price per square foot on recent solds?
Why: This approach to establish value works best in a P.U.D. and/or where there are similar homes, lot sizes and improvements.

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What other know factors about the property or neighborhood could affect value?
Why: Review the Seller's Disclosure Statement very carefully.

Final Recommendation

If you will be financing the property, get pre-approved for a mortgage prior to making your offer. This will show the seller your commitment and ability to perform. Pre-approval can be extremely important in a seller's market.

 
Click Here for a Map of the Area.
   

All information has been provided by Seller or other sources and has not been verified by Broker.
All interested persons should independently verify the accuracy of all information.

Homes listed in "Homes For Sale" are current listings. Inventory is moving so fast that these homes may have been sold. Other homes illustrated on this site are for demonstration purposes only. They are meant to show what types of homes are available in the area.

The Material on this site is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute an offer to sell, rent or advertise real estate outside of the State of California. Katie Gilchrest and the RE/Max Gold are not making any warranties or representations concerning any of these properties, including their availability. Information at this site is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. For more information, please visit our legal page."

Helping you buy and sell real estate in:
Antelope, Auburn, Cameron Park, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Colfax, East Sacramento, El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Foresthill, Gold River, Granite Bay, Grass Valley, Laguna, Lake of the Pines, Lincoln, Loomis, Meadow Vista, Nevada City, Newcastle, North Highlands, Orangevale, Penryn, Placerville, Pocket/Greenhaven, Rancho Cordova, Rancho Murieta, Rocklin, Roseville, Sacramento, Serrano, Shingle Springs, South Land Park, Sun City Lincoln Hills, Sun City Roseville

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