Many of Columbia’s homebuyers are happy to find the perfect home - the rooms are ample, the kitchen modern and it is close to everything.   Is that all you must consider before writing a contract?

In reality, most buyers spend a few moments checking out the curb appeal before racing inside to see if the property is “the house” without consideration of the quality of the lot.   There are several things in a home purchase that can be fixed, but lot quality is not one of them.   Is the home perched high on a hill or is it deep in a valley, below street level? Is there a nearby stream or are there tree limbs touching the home?

All of these items need to be considered before writing that contract.   A home placed below street level could have drainage issues, with street water racing down the driveway to your home each time it rains.   Check to see what levels the neighbor’s homes are on as well.   If they are different than the one you’re considering, it could mean that their lots will drain to this one.

A home with tree limbs touching the roof could mean that there are tree roots under the structure, which could equal foundation issues later on.   The tranquil stream that you see today could mean a potential for flooding or at a minimum, flood insurance which costs a home owner more than standard hazard policy coverage.These are all things to take into consideration when you find “the one.”   It could mean the difference between having a happy home and an expensive experience.

Your “No Bull” Realtor,

Kathy Smith
Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors, Inc.
(888) 808-4Moo ext. 0
(803) 781-5729
http://www.kathy.smith.net/