5 Noteworthy Tips for Buying a House in Savannah, GA
Looking to purchase a home? It is essential that you hire a real estate law firm that will adequately protect you and guide you through the homebuying process. Here are five noteworthy tips for buying a house in Savannah, GA, in today’s market or anytime.
1. Research the neighborhood.
Before buying a new home, you should carefully research the neighborhood. Sometimes the best research tools at your disposal are your own two feet. So when you’re house hunting, don’t just tour the home—walk down the street and get a feel for the neighborhood.
If you happen to catch any neighbors outside, ask them how they like living in the area. They’ll be your best resource on what life is like there.
Choosing a neighborhood with good schools is crucial if you have school-aged kids. Make sure you explore online resources to vet the local schools in the area.
2. Find a good local real estate agent.
Your realtor can make or break your homebuying experience. Buying a Savannah, GA, and Chatham County house in a seller’s market almost demands that you find and use a good local real estate agent.
Try and get a realtor referral. A qualified real estate lawyer will be able to refer you to an experienced real estate agent and vice versa. Ask about their success rate with bidding wars and whether they know how to approach sellers who refuse to pay commission.
In addition, they can offer tips, such as having a copy of a mortgage pre-approval letter on hand from the loaning bank to show sellers you’re a serious buyer.
3. Determine how much you can afford.
It is not enough to know how much you can safely borrow based on your income when it comes to mortgages.
Buyers should also realize that the lender will do an appraisal, and if the lender believes you paid more than the house is worth, they will not give you the full amount of the loan you expect. So, be very careful about stretching yourself to the limit when you make an offer on any home.
4. Title insurance is a must.
Title insurance can be arranged through your real estate attorney. You will be protected against the seller’s unpaid taxes or water bills and any unknown problems at closing. This includes issues where part of the home or swimming pool is, in fact, on your neighbor’s property.
5. Choose a home inspector carefully.
The home inspection is a critical part of the process, so do your research. Make sure the company is registered before retaining them.
Most inspection firms have a limitation of liability clause, which states that they are not responsible if they miss something that costs you money. Ask the company if a buyer has ever sued them.
Speak With a Savannah Residential Real Estate Lawyer
When buying a home in Savannah, GA, a licensed attorney must conduct the real estate closing. The biggest and best tip we can give you is to hire a professional Savannah real estate law firm.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with your residential closing in Savannah!