Best Questions to Ask before Making an Offer on a Candlewood Lake Home

Best Questions to Ask before Making an Offer on a Candlewood Lake Home

 

Finding the right home among the many Candlewood Lake and Lake Lillinonah properties is truly an exciting opportunity. But before you make that offer, be sure to step back and get some crucial information. Keep in mind that when it comes to buying a home, no question is a bad question. Here are four questions that you should settle before making an offer.

1. Does the home fit my budget

It is easy to fall in love with Candlewood Lake homes. However, you have to ensure that the property you want to make an offer on fits in your budget. Avoid becoming “house poor.” Oftentimes, people spend a large portion of their income on a home. This results to little cash to spend on other items.  Avoid financial difficulties with this two-step process:

a. Make sure to get a preapproval. It will estimate the size of loan you can handle and determine your monthly mortgage payment.

b. Practice your mortgage payment. For three months, practice paying your target mortgage payment. If the payment is more than your current housing expenses, place the difference in a separate account. If you can easily manage the additional expenses, it is a sign that you are ready to make an offer.

2. How long has the property been on the market?

It is important to find out the answer to this question. If the Candlewood Lake real estate has been lingering on the market for a few months, it could be an indication that it is overpriced. There are other factors that needs to be considered as well, including home condition, pricing or economic influences. Candlewood, Lake Lillinonah and Lake Zoar waterfront homes are desirable and sought after in most markets. Whatever the reason may be, knowing the answer will help you make better decisions.

3. What is wrong with this house?

Not all homes are in perfect condition. If the seller is keen on getting the property sold, they may fail to disclose any real problems. Some seller’s agent recommends getting a home inspection before putting the home on the market. If the inspection has been done, ask to read it. Even if the house looks picture-perfect, it is definitely worth it to ask the seller upfront of any issues or problems that they are aware of, and most importantly, as a buyer get the home inspected to learn about the home's maintenance and to uncover any health, safety and structural issues.

4. How is the location?

One thing you cannot change about a home is its location. If you want to evaluate the home’s location, ask the following questions:

a. What is the neighborhood like at different times of day?

b. Does the neighborhood feel like a good fit for my family?

c. Is the neighborhood safe?

d. How close is the home to work/daycare/school/family/shopping?

If you are not satisfied with the answers, you might want to rethink your offer.

It will really be helpful if you make sure that these four questions are answered before you make an offer. Visit http://www.CandlewoodLakeCTRealEstate.com today to see the latest listings in Candlewood Lake.

If you want to work with a real estate professional who can assist you in buying or selling Candlewood Lake homes, call me, Deborah Laemmerhirt, at (203) 994-4297. I have the knowledge, expertise, and tools to help you close that deal.

6 Ways to Ensure Your Candlewood Waterfront Home Is Kid-Friendly

6 Ways to Ensure Your Candlewood Waterfront Home Is Kid-Friendly

 

If you want your property to sell fast, your Candlewood Lake waterfront home for sale should be a haven. Buyers must see that it is the one place where their children will be protected from harm. Young children can spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, so a healthy home environment is important. Here are some ways to keep your home kid-friendly:

1. Test for radon

Have your Candlewood waterfront home for sale tested for radon. This radioactive gas is believed to be the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. You cannot see or smell radon so you will not know if you are being exposed without testing for it. Approximately, one in 15 homes has a high level of radon. An inexpensive test kit is available at home improvement stores. If your levels are high, you'll need to have a certified radon-mitigation contractor install a piping system to vent the gas out from under your home.

2. Use safety gates

Safety gates can help prevent falls down stairs and can keep children away from dangerous areas. Choose safety gates that children cannot dislodge easily, but can be opened and closed by adults without difficulty. For the top of stairs, gates that screw to the wall are more preferred since they are more secure than pressure gates.

3. Be prepared for fire

Kids ages 5 and younger are likely to get trapped in a fire because it’s hard for them to escape on their own. It’s important to have a smoke alarm on every floor of your waterfront home in Candlewood Lake, including the basements as well as outside and inside every bedroom. Test the fire alarms monthly. You should also have one multipurpose fire extinguisher for every 600 square feet of living space.

4. Prepare emergency numbers

Create a list of emergency numbers to keep near your telephone. Below are some numbers to include:

·         Police

·         Fire department

·         Local children’s hospital and family doctor

·         Ambulance

·         Poisons Information Center

5. Use corner and edge bumpers

Corner and edge bumpers can be used to prevent injuries from falls against sharp edges of furniture and fireplace. They can soften falls against sharp or rough edges. Choose bumpers that stay securely on furniture and hearth edges.

6. Use door alarms

Safety is particularly important around waterfront homes or homes with a pool.  Consider door alarms to keep your wandering children and toddlers safe.

A beautiful home that is safe for kids will surely be on top of many homebuyers’ list. Follow these tips and prevent potential hazards for children.  Visit http://HomesInConnecticutForSale.com today for more home selling ideas.

If you want to work with a real estate professional who can assist you in buying or selling Candlewood Lake homes, call me, Deborah Laemmerhirt, at (203) 994-4297. I have the knowledge, expertise, and tools to help you close that deal.