• Menu
  • About
    • Testimonials
    • Write a Testimonial
  • Buy
    • Buyer’s Guide
  • Search
  • Resources
    • HomeBuyerGuides
    • Blog
    • Whats Your Home Worth?
    • Sell
      • Seller’s Guide
      • Marketing Plan
  • Contact

1st Time Home Buyer ATL

Milla Murad | Realtor® | Real Estate | Atlanta | Georgia

  • About
    • Testimonials
    • Write a Testimonial
  • Buy
    • Buyer’s Guide
  • Search
  • Resources
    • HomeBuyerGuides
    • Blog
    • Whats Your Home Worth?
    • Sell
      • Seller’s Guide
      • Marketing Plan
  • Contact

What to Expect From a Home Inspection

While scheduling a home inspection can sound daunting, it is a very important step when purchasing a home. As a first time homebuyer, you may not know what to expect. 

Here are some tips for first-time homebuyers about to embark on their first-ever home inspection:

Show up. You need to be present for the entire inspection, as do any co-buyers (e.g., spouse) and your real estate agent if possible. Being present allows the inspector to point out in person any specific flaws or issues with the property and explain what steps must be taken to correct the problem. You can also ask questions about items while the inspection’s in progress. For example, if the inspector finds an aging hot water heater, you can then ask how many years it has left and what it’s going to cost you to replace it. These kinds of tidbits are invaluable, especially for first-time homebuyers.

Know what’s included. Take an inspection checklist with you to ensure that all items are assessed or addressed. Specialized inspections for things like mold and carbon monoxide are considered to fall outside the scope of a standard home inspection, so if you think stuff like this could be an issue for your property, definitely arrange for these additional inspections.

Come prepared. I brought my camera, a tape measure, and a pen and notebook along with me to my inspection, and I’m really glad I did. I was able to sketch out the floor plan, take measurements of various rooms and spaces, make additional notes, and take photos of everything to tie it all together.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask as many questions as you want during the inspection–after all, you’re paying for the inspector’s time! A good inspector should welcome questions and will be happy to give you the details you need. Remember that they’re the expert and you’re the novice and that it’s OK if you don’t understand their terminology or know what they’re talking about; this is one time when pretending you’re an expert can actually hurt you in the end. If you have any specific questions or concerns about the property or particular items on the checklist, come up with a list of those beforehand and bring it along with you to the inspection.

Read the fine print. That long, boring report that the inspector sends you after the fact? It’s not a souvenir to remember him by. Set aside some time with no distractions to go through the report from start to finish. Make whatever notes you need to, and feel free to call the inspector to follow-up on items that need clarification.

Posted in: Blog, Real Estate Tagged: carbon monoxide, first time homebuyer, Home Inspection, home purchase, inspection, inspector, mold, realtor

Do you need a property inspection?

5 Types of Home Inspections to Know 

Most buyers and sellers know that a home inspection is an essential part of the purchase process. But in real estate, there’s more than just one type of inspection to consider. In fact, there are dozens. 

Whether you’re purchasing a new home or investment property, selling your current home or trying to build equity in the house you’re already in, here are the top five inspections you should know about. 

Prepurchase inspections are the most common. They include a full assessment of a property’s systems and structure, and they offer the buyer a full report of any repairs or issues that need attention. The buyer can use this report as a negotiating tool to have the seller address any repairs before closing or to lower the sales price to reflect the necessary repair costs. 

Prelisting inspections are performed to give sellers a checklist of repairs to consider before listing the home. They can also help them gauge how much to list their property for, given its condition. 

Feature-specific inspections are performed on a home’s various features or systems. Some examples include inspections for swimming pools, septic tanks, and wells. 

Termite or wood-destroying insect inspections are needed if wood-eating pests are common in your area. Damage from these bugs can lead to costly repairs. Often, a buyer’s inspector will recommend a termite inspection if they see specific signs of damage. 

Municipal or COO inspections are required by municipalities to show that a newly constructed home or a home that has undergone major renovations is fit for occupancy. A municipal inspector will focus on the home’s electrical, plumbing, building, and fire code compliance to issue a certificate of occupancy. Get in touch today if you’d like to learn more about a specific inspection process and how it could impact the value of your home. 

Posted in: Blog Tagged: atlanta, buying, Home Inspection, house for sale, inspection, realtor, Selling

10 Ways to Deter Burglars With Landscaping

10 Ways to Deter Burglars With Landscaping - 1st Time Home Buyer ATL

In 2014, just over 1.7 million individuals fell victim to burglary according to the FBI. Sometimes deadbolts and alarm systems just aren’t enough to deter thieves. But there are outdoor security measures you can take to prevent property loss at the hands of a burglar. Here are 10 ways you can help protect your home with a well­planned landscape design:

1. Use plant deterrents. Thorny shrubs and bushes like holly or roses help thwart would-be burglars.

2. Prune vegetation regularly. Unkempt hedges provide hiding spots where perpetrators can lurk.

3. Trim the trees. Leave sufficient distance between tree branches and the roof or second-story windows to limit intruder access.

4. Leave a clear line of sight to windows or doors. Blocking these views leaves your home more vulnerable to break-ins. 

5.Invest in accent lights. Illuminate your yard to eliminate potential hiding spots.

6.Install additional lighting. Don’t just rely on the porch light. Consider adding motion-sensitive lighting to help ward off possible intruders.

7. Put gravel beneath ground-floor windows. Burglars rely on silence; stepping on gravel can be a startling repellent.

8. Protect the back door. Many thieves try this less obvious point of entry first.

9. Replace solid privacy fences. Solid fencing helps intruders go undetected. Partial privacy fencing is a more secure option.

10. Lock all gates. It seems obvious, but it’s still worth a mention. Keep front and back gates locked at all times.

While pleasing to look at, landscaping does more than enhance your home’s outdoor aesthetic. Consider whether your current setup promotes security or makes your home appealing to thieves. Use these landscaping security tips to help prevent your home from becoming the target of a burglary.

Posted in: Blog, Real Estate Tagged: aesthetic, home improvement, landscaping, lighting, outdoor, plants, Real Estate, real estate agent, Real Estate Market, realtor, safety, security

Hire an Agent When Building a House

Hire an Agent When Building a House - Milla Murad

Many homebuyers think they don’t need to hire an agent when building a new home. After all, you’re buying directly from the builder and they already have contractors, lenders, and inspectors. Why should someone else be brought into the mix?

The truth is, buying any home without an agent can be a costly mistake. It can mean paying more than you should, missed opportunities for upgrades, contract errors that aren’t in your favor or a delayed closing.

Thinking of buying a new construction home? Here are three reasons to have an agent on your side before visiting the sales office:

1. Expert Negotiation: While their advertising would have you believe otherwise, builder’s prices aren’t always set in stone. Agents are skilled negotiators who can likely get the price dropped slightly or have a few upgrades thrown in.

2. Preferred Vendors: Your builder might have an affiliate mortgage lender or title company, but chances are they aren’t going to offer the best deal. It’s important to shop around, and what’s better than a vendor your agent already knows and trusts?

3. Guidance and Support: The homebuying process can be complicated, with lots of twists, turns, and steps along the way. When buying new construction, you also have design reviews, electrical work, and other construction needs. An agent can guide you through all of these, making sure your purchase stays on track, on time and on the budget from start to finish.

It’s important to note that while you may be working with an agent or representative from the builder, they may not have your best interests at heart. Enlisting your own trusted agent can give you an advocate from the very first meeting to closing day.

Are you interested in buying a new construction home? Get in touch today for more info about builders in the area.

Posted in: Blog, Featured Blog Posts, Real Estate Tagged: atlanta, first time homebuyer, housing market, millennials, National Association of Realtors, new construction, Real Estate, real estate agent, realtor

Questions???


First Name *
Last Name *
Email *
Phone *
Comments

Search for:

Recent Posts

  • 4 Tips for Decorating a Small Space
  • 3 Reasons to Sell Your Home in Winter
  • Are you ready for a new home?
  • First-time Shopping for a Mortgage? Keep These Tips in Mind
  • The True Value of a Real Estate Agent

Calculate Mortgage Payments

Mortgage Calculator

ABOUT

Real Estate team of a Real Estate Agent, Lender, Attorney, and Insurance Agent to coach you on 1st time home buying process. Seminars held quarterly.
Read More

TESTIMONIALS

Milla made our first time home buying experience easy! Milla's knowledge of the market and her home buying steps simplified the process. Thank you Milla!

Meghan Hall
More Testimonials

FROM OUR BLOG

4 Tips for Decorating a Small Space

4 Tips for Decorating a Small Space

Whether it’s a cramped bedroom or an office nook, many homes have a small room that’s difficult to decorate.  Do you wish you could add more charm without forgoing square footage? Well, just because your space is limited, it doesn’t mean your style has to be.  Make your tiny area more usable and trendy with […]

CONTACT

Milla Murad, Realtor® Village Realty 3423 Piedmont RD NE ATL,GA 30305
O: 404-965-4080
404-268-5565
MillaMurad@gmail.com
Copyright © 2018 Milla Murad | Design by Spider Media Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Listings Sitemap