There’s one issue I want you thinking about before you fall in love with a house and write an offer. Insurance! Do you know if the home you want to buy is in a high-fire-risk area?
Where a home is located can affect the availability and cost of insurance. These costs can range from $4,000 per year to $20,000 per year. Don’t get caught with a home that will make your life more expensive, not more comfortable.
Hi, I’m Tanja Odzak, Realtor with eXp Realty, helping people sell and buy homes right here in the East Bay for the last 10 years!
But location isn’t the only thing that needs to be considered.
The home itself may have “deferred maintenance” or conditions that deserve a closer look. Older electrical systems, outdated components, overgrown vegetation around the property, or other potential fire risks may need to be evaluated by the appropriate professionals. Some of these issues may be fixable. But upgrades cost money, and depending on what the home needs, you may have to decide whether those additional expenses fit your budget.
That’s why I want my buyers looking beyond the purchase price.
What might the insurance cost?
What improvements could the property need?
How much are you comfortable taking on after you get the keys?
My job isn’t to decide how much risk you’re willing to accept. My job is to help you ask the right questions, get the right professionals involved, and guide you on what you’re buying so you can make an informed decision.
So, if you’re considering buying a home in a potential high-fire-risk area or with deferred maintenance, call me and let’s talk it through.
I’m Tanja Odzak and I’ve sold $100 Million Dollars worth of homes and have a decade of experience, Call me today and I’ll help you look beyond the listing and determine whether that home is a good fit for your finances, your lifestyle, and your comfort level.