House buying season is upon us

Published 7:00 am Friday, May 6, 2016

Interest rates are on a decline meaning it’s time for those considering purchasing a home to start looking.
Buying a home is not something to be taken lightly. Buying a home is one of those purchases that can affect the quality of life for a family.
Finding the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood can be stressful, especially when a strict budget is involved.
The first step is to determine how much your budget will support in that purchase while not breaking the bank. In Pearl River County the median income is about $41,000, according to census.gov. That won’t be the only variable. Potential homebuyers will also need to factor in any debt and the down payment they could afford. Higher down payments mean less of a note.
After you’ve determined how much you can afford, it’s time to start looking for the perfect place. Pearl River County offers a variety of homes, from those in subdivisions to a home on a secluded piece of property. The balance between convenience to stores and the interstate should be taken into consideration. Homes on secluded properties will most likely be further away from amenities such as grocery stores and not have easy access to the interstate.
The neighborhood should also be a factor, and not just during the daylight hours. What might be a quiet place in the middle of the during the week could be very different at night or on the weekend. Take a tour of the area at all hours, within reason, to get a good idea of the noise level and other factors.
Also, don’t forget to budget for the hidden costs. If the home is in a flood area, flood insurance will be required. Taxes are another hidden cost. Stop by the tax assessor’s office to get an idea of what the taxes are on a piece of property before buying.
And most of all, don’t forget to get the land surveyed and the home inspected. A survey will provide a complete map of the property lines, while the inspection will reveal any expensive defects that could be a deal breaker.

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