Buying or selling an apartment is a huge undertaking with equally enormous stakes. Needless to say, you want the job done right. AOL Real Estate, by way of Business Insider, has a good roundup of basic ways to avoid making a major error. We pulled out a few that New Yorkers should keep on their radar:
For buyers:
- Check out the neighborhood thoroughly.You don’t want to move in, possibly with a family in tow, to find the schools suck, the nearest subway is a dozen blocks away and there’s no bodega nearby.
- Know what you can afford.Homeownership goes beyond simply paying off a mortgage. There’s maintenance, renovations, decoration, etc. Just because youcanbuy a really expensive home, doesn’t mean you should. Likewise, a down payment of under 20 percent will subject you to private mortgage insurance and bigger monthly bills.
- Look at the bones, not the decor.Puce walls? Pink tile? That’s easily changed. And don’t go getting all attached to a place because of its stunning stainless steel kitchen.
- Get an inspection of your would-be purchase.A couple of hundred dollars is a relatively teeny price to pay for the peace of mind of knowing the place you intend to buy is in solid shape.
For sellers:
- Pick a fair price.Just because you want a certain amount for your home, doesn’t mean you’re going to get it. Check comparables to set a realistic price.
- Set the stage.A well staged home (devoid of clutter but filled with a smartly-edited selection of furniture that clearly demonstrates the purpose of each room) will help buyers envision themselves in your space.
- Open house? Make yourself scarce.Buyers can’t be honest about a space with the seller lurking. Do everyone a favor and get out before the buyers come in.
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