Questions to Ask Before You Buy a House in Santa Cruz

So you think you would like to live in Santa Cruz? If so, you are not alone. This is one of the most popular areas in central California. Beautiful beaches and close proximity to larger California cities make this a popular place to live. Before you start shopping for property in Santa Cruz, however, you need to ask yourself some very important questions.

Can I Afford It?

Santa Cruz is an expensive place to live. Property values are high because it is such a popular city, and even a simple mobile home can cost as much as $200,000. Before you begin shopping, look at the price of some homes that meet your needs. Then, figure out how much your monthly payment would be after you apply your down payment to the property's cost. Decide if this amount fits your monthly budget.

Should I Buy a House or Condo?

Buying a condo is one option if price is a concern. Condos are more affordable than single-family homes, but they increase in value just as other properties do. This makes them a great starter choice for those who want to move into a desirable area like Santa Cruz. If you have more money to spend, a home might be a better choice. However, if you are using the property as a vacation home, you may want to consider a condo because the maintenance on the outside of the property will be taken care of for you, even when you are gone.

Why Is the Seller Selling?

Once you have found a property you like, be sure to ask why the seller is selling. If you can get a good answer, you may find out something you did not know before about the property and its condition. For instance, you may find out that the seller needed to be closer to area schools. If you have children, this might be a concern for you, and you may want to seek another property.

What Issues Has the Property Had in the Past?

Most issues that the home has will be fixed before it hits the market, or they will be disclosed to you. However, you should know about the problems that were fixed before the sale. Knowing about the house's history, even if the problems are resolved, will help you if you face similar problems in the future as the home's owner.

What Are Typical Utility Bills for the Home?

The cost of owning a home includes more than just the mortgage and insurance. You will also need to pay for your utilities, and these can vary quite a bit from property to property. Some homes are simply more energy efficient than others. If you can, ask the former owner what he paid, on average, for the various utilities, such as gas and electric. You can also find out if the homeowner has ever had the ducts cleaned, as you may want to do this soon after you purchase the property if it has not been done before. The answers to these questions will help you know if you can honestly afford the home or not on your current budget.

About the Author

Seb Frey is a Capitola, California Real Estate Broker specializing in Santa Cruz Real Estate. He is fluent in Spanish and enjoys helping people find their piece of the American Dream in Santa Cruz. You can find Seb's blog at SantaCruzHomeBroker.com/blog.

Author Profile: sebfrey

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