When you begin scouring the
Metairie or New Orleans listings for a new home, the cost of the home appears
to be right there at the top: the asking price. All the other details about the
property are there, too, but they usually get close attention only after that
dollar amount at the top falls within (well, is at least close to) your target number.
But as soon as the shopping starts to narrow the field, the
financial implications of those other details begin to reveal themselves. Good
thing! In fact, the true bottom line cost of your new Metairie or New Orleans home
will be greatly affected by them.
Many buyers work with the details exactly as presented—but as
a purchase grows more likely, they should consider them simply as starting
points. Back when home prices were racing steadily upward, it may have been
okay to assume that price appreciation would make up for any exaggerations or
oversights about the property (whether inadvertent or not), but today’s more
cautious buyers appreciate how the disclosures impact the real cost of a property.
They know how expensive it can be to correct inaccuracies later on.
When comparing properties, it’s time well spent to confirm
as much of the information as practical. It will give you confidence that you
aren’t missing potential expenses or devaluing factors when figuring the cost
of a home versus its true value. Some relevant factors:
- · Even when there are laws requiring sellers to disclose obvious repairs, those that are less obvious can come as a surprise after the keys are handed over. Some may not even be known to the seller; for example, mold in walls caused from earlier flooding may not be visible, or termites that are just starting to colonize the structure might not be obvious. That’s why consulting with a home inspector is so important. The best ones know the places to look for the telltale signs it takes an expert to uncover.
- · If the property you are considering belongs to a homeowner’s association or is subject to any kind of maintenance fees, be sure to factor in those costs. Ask for copies of receipts for the last few payments—then find out what plans have been announced that might mean future increases.
- · Metairie and New Orleans property taxes will obviously figure in your home cost calculations, but it’s good to know the basis upon which the property is taxed. Unrecorded improvements could raise that figure: so have a look at the recent bills. If you have questions, a check with the assessor’s office should settle them.
- · Don’t just have a chat about the cost of utilities—you should request copies of the utility bills for at least the last full year. Water and power (and sometimes sewer and other utility expenses) can be more substantial than you’d expect, significantly increasing the cost of your Metairie or New Orleans home’s annual operation.
These factors all play parts in determining the true cost
of a home in Metairie or New Orleans—its current purchase price and a sound
projection of the cost of living in it. Accurate estimates of both are what you
need to guide your decision about whether to make an offer—and what that offer
should be.
If you are thinking of buying in Metairie or New Orleans this
summer or fall, do contact me today. I’ll help you to be sure the right
questions are asked!
View Homes For Sale in New Orleans
Terez B. Harris
Terez Harris NOLA Real Estate Group
Terez Harris NOLA Real Estate Group
(504)297-2619
www.TerezHarris.com
TerezHarris@kw.com
Search the MLS!
(multiple listing service)
Search Terez's Active Listings!
TerezHarris@kw.com
Search the MLS!
(multiple listing service)
Search Terez's Active Listings!
Terez B. Harris Terez Harris NOLA Real Estate Group 504-297-2619 www.TerezHarris.com
Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118 504-862-0100
Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118 504-862-0100
Each office independently owned and operated. All brokers and agents licensed in the state of Louisiana.
