Found a House to Buy? Before You Sign Anything, Do This

Let's say you have found the perfect house to buy. It appears to have everything--enough bedrooms, good roof, garage, near everything, great yard. There is one thing most people don't consider and that's NEIGHBORS.

We have been very fortunate to have wonderful neighbors but it hasn't always worked out like that. Here's what to do before you sign on the dotted line: Visit the houses on each side of your dream home plus the house across the street and behind your future back yard. Time your visit in the early evening when you have the best chance of finding someone home. Just knock on the door and politely say something like, "Hello my name is (Bill) and we are thinking about buying the house next door. Is there any information you can give us that would help us make a decision?"

You may accomplish two things (1) get some good info about the house that didn't make the listing and (2) check out the people that may be your future neighbors and determine if you want to live next to these people.

The folks you contact will want to talk to you because they will want to get a look at their potential neighbors too. It's a win-win and you can't go wrong asking. Once you have moved in you can't change neighbors. Trust me on this.