A property
manager was showing a unit to prospective tenants
and asking the usual questions:
"Professionally employed?" "We're a military family," the
wife answered.
"Children?" "Yes, nine and twelve," she told me proudly.
"Animals?" "Oh, no," she said earnestly. "They're very
well behaved." |
But seriously here are some tips when buying ... Four essential rules for dealing with
property
Hi,
Dealing with property can be a tricky business. Whether you are renting,
buying or selling a property, there are four basic rules you should be aware
of which will help guide you smoothly along the property path. |
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Four essential rules for dealing with property
- Make sure it's in writing
Anything not specifically stated in the property Contract of Sale or
lease should be documented and included in the contract. Remember, if
you don't have documentation, you have no proof to back yourself up.
For example, if you inspect a house to buy and see a dishwasher in the
kitchen, make sure the contract specifies the inclusion of a dishwasher.
If it doesn't, chances are, you will arrive at your new home on moving
day to find a big space where the dishwasher was.
The same rules apply to renters. If you have reported a repair or defect
to your landlord or agent and three weeks later it still hasn't been
rectified, you won't be able to verify your report unless you made it in
writing.
- Read EVERYTHING before you sign it
...and don't sign anything if you don't understand. This rule sounds so
simple but so many people don't follow it. The language in a lease or
sales document can be confusing. If you don't understand it, ask your
real estate agent or solicitor to explain the documentation to you.
- Remember documents are legally binding
Depending on the state you're renting or buying in, the lease or sales
contracts should cover everything from what you pay and what's included,
to special conditions and what you're responsible for.
Regardless of what the lease or contract states, if you sign it, you
must abide by it. If you break the contract your loss could be a great
deal more than you anticipated.
The only exception to this rule would be if all parties involved agreed
to amendment. This amendment can nullify or add to the original
agreements made in the original documents and must be signed and dated
by all parties involved.
- Don't be afraid to talk
If you're worried about any aspect of your property sale, purchase or
lease, talk to your real estate agent or other professional advisors
before you do anything. They deal with property every day, so chances
are they'll be able to provide you with information which will make any
decisions you need to make be better informed decisions.
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