10 Questions to Ask When Looking at Potential Homes in Abuja
Buying a home of urban standards can be an intimidating and overwhelming experience, but with a clear understanding of what you desire and how to spot quality homes in Abuja, you will find the one that fits your taste.
With the right knowledge, you will be able to detect a house that has defects and the ones that are structurally and physically sound.
The following are some key questions to ask yourself and sellers before putting money as a down payment for any of the many homes in Abuja.
Below is a list of general questions you should always ask when considering making a real estate purchase.
Keep in mind, however, you are unique. You have particular dislikes and likes as well as factors in your life that are different from other people. The point I am trying to make is that you shouldn’t stick to just these questions. You are making an important choice, so give some thought to your situation.
1. Don’t rush into things.
The first question to ask should be directed at yourself. What type of home do you want? How big should it be? What amenities do you want? Are you planning for a family in the next three to five years and will the home be able to accommodate a new bundle of joy? Make a definitive list and stick to it. If you stray from it, you could end up with a house that doesn’t fit you and suffer buyer’s remorse.
2. The next question is what area do you want to live in?
Pick a few. You may find the prices to be excessive or the selection not so hot, but make sure you exhaust those areas before moving on. Again, you want to avoid feeling remorseful after you buy your home.
3. How long has property being on the market
Once you start looking at homes, a key question to ask is how long the house has been on the market. The amount of time will give you an idea of how flexible the owner is on price. If the house has been on the market for a month, the owner isn’t going to be very flexible. If it has been on the market for six months, flexibility will exist.
4. What kind of condition is the house in and how old is it?
Remember that a seller has typically done everything reasonably possible to spruce up the home. If you can see wear and tear on the house, it may be a red flag. In such a situation, you need to get a home inspection to make sure there aren’t problems in areas you can’t see such as mold, rust, and water leaks.
5. What about the kids?
If you have children or are planning on it, you must investigate the school district. Are the schools good? Are there gangs or crime in the area? These questions will help you make an informed decision.
6. Are there any other bills?
In addition to the home price, you should ask whether there are any additional fees such as association fees. These can be very annoying and frustrating to learn after you have either paid or moved in.
7. What are the property taxes and what will they be when you buy?
Many people are shocked to find out how much they have to kick out in property taxes. Always look ahead so you don’t get surprised. Check for progressions in property laws and see if there are new taxes to be effected in the neighborhood or state you want to purchase the house.
8. Zoning and easement issues are often overlooked when buying a home.
If you are buying in a neighborhood with many homes, zoning is undoubtedly going to be for residential living. Easements, however, can be nasty surprises. Find out if there are any easements on the property. An easement gives a third party the right to use part of the property. This can include giving the neighbor the right to do something or a utility company to place structures on your prospective property.
9. Noise is another big issue to consider.
If you are serious about the property, make sure to drive by on weekdays and weekends. If the property shares a wall with another residence, such as a duplex or condo, make sure you view it while the neighbors are home to get an idea of how loud it is.
10. In the euphoria of buying a property, practical issues can be missed.
A big one is traffic. Specifically, what is the commute like between the house and your place of work? You don’t want to buy the house only to find out it takes three hours to get to and from work each day.
Conclusion
Obviously, you should be asking additional questions before making a purchase for any home. These 10 questions, however, will help you get started on your journey to find a suitable home for you out of many homes in Abuja.
