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Atlanta Real Estate
Tips
How To Buy A Home
in metro Atlanta
Picking the right home
Looking at houses
Your Metro Brokers real estate agent will show you the homes that meet
your needs and weed out the ones that don't.
He or she will make arrangements for you to see only those homes that
match your requirements, so your time is well spent. Remember to
record your first impressions about the homes you visit.
A key benefit of working with a Metro Brokers real estate agent is that
you'll be informed about homes that are new on the market or those with
price changes. He or she will identify all the potential sellers
in your market by working with the entire real estate community - not
just those who list with Metro Brokers/GMAC Real Estate.
Outside the home
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Do trees and shrubs appear healthy? Are
large trees at least 30 feet from the house?
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Is the lot sloped for proper drainage?
Are there low spots near the house?
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Do outdoor electrical outlets have ground fault
current interrupters to prevent shock?
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Is the outdoor lighting adequate?
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Are there outdoor faucets or a sprinkler
system?
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Are sidewalks and driveways in good condition?
Will water drain off them?
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Is the house's surface in good repair?
Are there cracks where materials meet at two walls or windows and
walls?
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Do windows, doors and chimney sit plumb and
square?
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Is the roof free from sags and dips? Are
shingles in good condition?
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Are gutters in good shape, with tight seams and
do downspouts point away from the house?
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Do foundation walls have cracks larger than
1/4-inch wide?
The floor plan
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Is the home divided into three distinct zones
for working, living and sleeping?
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Are eating areas (including those outdoors)
easily accessible from the kitchen?
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Does traffic through the kitchen flow outside
the work area?
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Are the stove, sink and refrigerator just steps
apart in an efficient triangular configuration?
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Do open appliance doors block doorways,
cabinets or each other?
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Do bedrooms have two uninterrupted wall
surfaces for easy furniture arrangement?
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Are baths accessible without having to cross a
bedroom or other living space?
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Does the main entry lead guests directly to the
living room or make them figure out which way to go?
Basement to attic
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Do basement walls have large horizontal cracks
that indicate a shifting foundation? Mildew stains that
indicate dampness/flooding? Is an unheated basement's ceiling
insulated?
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Are exposed beams and joists in good condition?
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Is the attic well-insulated? Is there any
evidence of water damage from a leaky roof?
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Are floors springy or are they even and sturdy?
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Are walls (particularly at door frames and windows)
free from large cracks?
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Do all doors and windows work smoothly?
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Are bathroom fixtures in good condition? Does
the faucet's water flow remain steady when toilets are flushed?
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Does water drain well?
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Are there enough well-placed electrical outlets in
the rooms? Does the service to the house match its current
electrical needs?
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Is the capacity and recovery time of the water
heater adequate for your family? Does the water heater show signs
of rust?
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Do kitchen appliances seem to be in good condition?
Do any come with the sale? Will your appliances fit in the present
spaces if need be?
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Do furnace and/or air conditioning unit(s) appear
well-serviced? Is the blower quiet?
Deciding to buy
How much house can you afford?
What type of house do you want?
Choosing a neighborhood
Making your
purchase: Extending the offer
Protecting
yourself
Financing
your home
Calling it your
own
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