The Ultimate Guide to Buying an _As-Is’ House

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“As- is’ homes refer to homes listed for sale as they are, without any repairs. In most cases, when sellers are putting up their houses for sale, they make renovations to get a better price for their homes. As-Is homes have low prices, which attracts a lot of buyers. When buying an As-Is home, you are free to conduct an inspection. However, any problems that you may discover will not help lower the prices. The buyer is also obligated to inform you of any existing issues once you enquire. In case you are considering buying an As-Is house, here are some guidelines that you could follow;

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Due Diligence

There are some measures you need to take before establishing your interest in an As-Is house. First, you need to consult with an attorney to get help in drafting the contract, which will protect your investment. You could also conduct a title search, examine the deeds, and available land records. This will aid in identifying potential red flags. At this stage, you are just shopping around from platforms like Movoto.com and not making any serious commitments. Once you establish a property that meets all the legal requirements, you can proceed to make an offer.

Draft a Favorable Contract

Contracts define the terms of sale. In this case, a contract is very instrumental in determining the course of action. For example, when the inspection is complete, and the house’s condition is too poor, the contract may dictate that the buyers can cancel the contract. The agreement protects the buyer’s interests.

Calculate the Real Value of the Home

As much as you are aware that the home has preexisting conditions, it is still essential to determine the actual cost of the house. This will help you estimate the cost of renovating the house and gauge whether the asking price is fair. When evaluating the home and repairs value, you may find that it is cheaper to buy a move-in ready house than buying the As-Is house. You can negotiate for a lower price, opt for a move-in available hose or look for a cheaper As-Is house. Calculating the value also helps you estimate the amount of money you need to raise; most banks do not offer loans for As-Is houses. As-Is houses are a viable option for those looking to avoid debts.

Carry out a thorough House Inspection

Since there are already visible problems with an As-Is house, the house inspector’s work is to assess the magnitude of the issues. House inspectors analyze the house from the rafters to the basement. Apart from current problems, inspectors can also identify potential problems. These are problems such as an old roof, which may not necessarily be a problem now, but might cause issues after a few years. Hiring a house inspector costs about $300 to $500.While this may seem like a high amount, it may cost you much more to salvage the house in terms of hidden repairs. After carrying out an inspection, if the house’s condition is too poor, you can cancel negotiations and ask for a deposit refund. However, you have to provide that condition when drafting the contract.

Hire a Real Estate Agent

Buying an As-Is house is very risky as you could end up with a complete wreck. Thus, it would be best if you had all the professional advice you can get. Find a real estate agent who focuses on getting you the best deal and not their commission. This will help you negotiate better and appraise the house accurately, depending on its location and repairs.

Get Home Warranty

A home warranty will provide some financial security. It allows you to save money on repairs that may come up in the future. Home warranties cater to significant household systems and appliances, which may be costly to repair. This gives the buyer a sense of security that, despite buying an As-Is home, they can still have their repair costs covered. Home warranties may lack in some sales. Your ability to negotiate is a huge factor here.

Ask for Full Disclosure

Purchasing an As-Is house doesn’t mean your right to full disclosure is over. Different states have different items on their disclosure list. Some dictate that there should be full disclosure on the plumbing, pests, insects, mold, or someone passed on in the property. Once a seller fails to disclose such issues, the buyer is allowed to sue for repair or compensation. Therefore, communicate with the seller for full disclosure on the state of the property.

Bottom Line

Buying an As-Is house is a considerable risk. Such deals are often more favorable to real estate investors as they can accumulate profits from flipping the houses. This does not mean those looking for a personal home are more likely to fail. Know where to look as most websites like Movoto.com offer move-in ready houses. Also, follow the above guidelines and get professional help to land a decent As-Is home at a favorable price.

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