1. If you aren't finding what you like, consider expanding your search criteria. That may include expanding the geographical location, or simply having less requirements (ex don't specify that it must have a pantry and a built-in vacuum). Another possible expansion is on the rooms that you want. Maybe you would like a 4 bedroom home - consider searching for 3 bedroom homes then look through to see if they have a den, office, unfinished basement, or bonus space that could satisfy your space requirements.
2. Ask what the average utility bills are. This is particularly important if you are moving to a new area or if you are significantly increasing the size of your home. Dont just assume that your utility bills will be around the same amount - they could be quite different.
3. Take pictures and notes when you go to listings. Chances are you will see at least 5-10 listings before you decide on one. However, those 5-10 can seem quite similar, particularly if you are looking within a certain subdivision or looking at new construction. So take some notes and bring along your camera too. The best way to do this is to have your agent print out the MLS reports for the houses that you are going to see - then you can just make extra notes right on there along with the rest of the info.
So what should you document? Certainly not everything!!!! But if you see a fireplace, or a desk nook or a kitchen island that you particularly like, take a picture of it (and make a note on your MLS printout that you took the picture and what it was of so that you can tell later on). This way, when you go home that night, you can review all the houses you looked out in order to narrow down your decision.
4. Consider what the property taxes will be. Sometimes there can be a large difference from one city/town to the next in property tax rates. Also, if you live out of city limits in the county, consider what they will be there.
Also, ask your agent when the home was last assessed. This is particularly relevant in areas that have seen home prices rise in the past several years. The annual tax amount on the MLS printout may be based upon an older value assessment and if that home is due to be assessed again soon, that number could increase substantially.
5. When looking at homes, consider what your daily commute will be. While this applies more in major urban areas than in small towns and cities, it is still worth considering. You are not just looking at commute, but what you can get for your money. If by commuting an extra 5 minutes each way to work you could get a newer, bigger house for your money than what you could buy closer to work, would you do it? For some people the answer is an overwhelming yes, while for others, they would say no. Its a personal choice and it depends on what you are looking for in a home and what you value.
Would you live another 10 minutes up the freeway in order to save $30,000? Think about it and determine the value of being close to work.
Planning a visit or relocating to Bellingham Washington? Johnson Team Real Estate http://www.johnsonteamrealestate.com - is your source for Bellingham Real Estate property listings and community information. Subscribe to our real estate Blog for tips on buying and selling your home and getting the inside scoop to one of the best places to live in the country!
¶ 10:42 AM 0 comments
1. Limit your invites to the most important people in your life. Less guests less expenses.
2. The venue eats up a huge percentage of the budget so be wise and practical when selecting your venue. If possible, have both the ceremony and the reception in one place to minimize your cost.
3. Resist the urge to pick foods that are costly i.e. lobsters, steaks. You can still impress your guests with less expensive food.
4. Keep your invitation simple. If you have the time or extra helping hands, you may even want to consider making the invitation yourself. You can get wedding invitation kits from wedding supply stores or even your local craft store.
5. When decorating the venue, keep the use of flowers to a minimum. They are costly. Use candles (they go a long way when it comes to giving life to a venue), tulles and ribbons as substitutes.
6. While it is nice to be entertained by a live band, recorded music will do just fine.
7. Forget about hiring an emcee. Ask a family member or a friend to emcee instead.
8. Ask yourself if you really want your wedding on a film. Will you spend some time after the wedding to watch it? Or will the video end up in your grandmother's chest in the attic?
9. Opt for a less extravagant cake. Get a 2-tiered cake instead of a 4- or 3-tiered cake. Another option is mini cakes arranged in a layered cake rack.
10. Limit the champagne to the toast. Instead of wine, serve less expensive drinks.
11. Forget about hiring a wedding planner. You can still get the job done with the help of family members and friends.
12. Instead of hiring a limousine, look for alternative means of transport i.e. a friend's Bentley, your fathers Mercedes.
13. Always haggle for a lower price with the vendors. Since they expect some negotiations to happen, they would most often give a quote that is higher than what they are willing to accept.
Johanna Docena is the owner of Docena Bridal, an online wedding store that sells bridal jewelry, wedding attendant gifts and wedding accessories. Visit us at http://www.docenabridal.com.
¶ 4:20 AM 0 comments
