I'm buying my first home

playzwtrux

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I'm looking at buying my first home and shared this in the box and received some incredible feedback from CCC, NV, & Goon and wanted to ask y'all for some input. (serious input only, or at least identify it as sarcasm :lol:)

Here's a link to the listing on Zillow:

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/801-Lynell-Ct-Oxford-AL-36203/109192375_zpid/

Does anyone have any input, or questions I should be asking about the home, and/or financing? Nothing should be considered stupid, or wrong. I don't really want to get screwed any more than $500.

I have it under contract (so it may be too late, except if I wanted to lose my earnest money), but the home inspection has not been done yet, so there may still be time. Inspection is on Tuesday the 21st.

Thanks everybody for helping me make this the best possible experience it can be.
 

NVGator

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Rule #1 when buying a home: Don't ask for other's opinions. They will only cause more confusion. :lol:


(that's sarcasm)
 

TheDouglas78

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Double check the dates on the A/C (indoor and outdoor units), Water Heater, do a good job of checking the clamps holding the roof in place. Make a list of anything they mention and take photos. Also ask about easy fixes if they offer that advise (one did and one didn't for me).
 

NVGator

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I thought you said the asking was $175k? I can't help if you aren't honest.
 

grengadgy

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Double check the dates on the A/C (indoor and outdoor units), Water Heater, do a good job of checking the clamps holding the roof in place. Make a list of anything they mention and take photos. Also ask about easy fixes if they offer that advise (one did and one didn't for me).
clamps? hurricane clips?
 

TheDouglas78

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clamps? hurricane clips?

I had one fixture in my garage hurricane clamps, and another type of fixture over the rest of the house when I bought mine. The first inspector didn't notice it..
 

grengadgy

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I had one fixture in my garage hurricane clamps, and another type of fixture over the rest of the house when I bought mine. The first inspector didn't notice it..
just curious, I built my house myself but even though I know where they are you can't see them.
 

Gatordiddy

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Double check the dates on the A/C (indoor and outdoor units)

The newer the AC units the more likely they are to use the newer freon versus the older stuff.
At some point the older, more expensive freon (R-22) will be unavailable in favor of the newer R-410A.
And you can't put R-410 in older units that take R-22, so you'll have to replace the unit(s).

Also ask if they had regular pest control service - mainly to see if that included a termite contract.
The home inspector will check for most, if not all of these things (health of the foundation, age of the roof, window sashes, etc.).

Make sure you ask if it's on an ancient indian burial ground... because that will affect TV reception. (sarcasm)

And finally - ask if the neighbors are bammer fans... if so, keep looking. (kind of serious on this one)
 
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Gatordiddy

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oh...another thing.
As for financing/loans... are you looking at FHA or Conventional?
 

MJMGator

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The newer the AC units the more likely they are to use the newer freon versus the older stuff.
At some point the older, more expensive freon (R-22) will be unavailable in favor of the newer R-410A.
And you can't put R-410 in older units that take R-22, so you'll have to replace the unit(s).

Also ask if they had regular pest control service - mainly to see if that included a termite contract.
The home inspector will check for most, if not all of these things (health of the foundation, age of the roof, window sashes, etc.).

Make sure you ask if it's on an ancient indian burial ground... because that will affect TV reception. (sarcasm)

And finally - ask if the neighbors are bammer fans... if so, keep looking. (kind of serious on this one)
Definitely want the newer units with the R-22. Just had to replace my old unit because of it. Also, make sure to get a termite repair bond when you buy the home...and keep it up. If you live in the south, you WILL have termites at some point and a repair bond will cover the costs...not just pay to re-treat. Had a niehgbor in Jax that had to take out a second mortgage for the $70k worth of damage they did to his home.
 

grengadgy

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Definitely want the newer units with the R-22. Just had to replace my old unit because of it. Also, make sure to get a termite repair bond when you buy the home...and keep it up. If you live in the south, you WILL have termites at some point and a repair bond will cover the costs...not just pay to re-treat. Had a niehgbor in Jax that had to take out a second mortgage for the $70k worth of damage they did to his home.
Not R22, that has a 2020 phase-out date.
 

MJMGator

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Not R22, that has a 2020 phase-out date.
Admittedly, I'm no expert on the freon types. I was trying to act smart by using the types Diddy noted. :embarrassed:
But I do know I had to replace my unit because of the government regulation changes. Thanks Obama!
 

GatorTAG

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Looks like a nice house. Congrats!

The best advice I can give is that at today's interest rates you should try to get the shortest term mortgage you can afford. If that's 30 years right now fine. But in a couple of years if your income rises try to refinance to a 15 or 20 year mortgage. It will l save you 10's of thousands of dollars. That's real money that you will never get back. Good luck.
 

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