10 things you must know before buying real estate in Upstate New York
You know the property you are after because you are constantly dreaming about it. You’ve taken long trips to Upstate New York in pursuit of finding it. You probably rented or stayed someplace near by to get a feel for the area and have done your research. You scan the web for listings in your price range and features to match. You did your your homework and now you are ready to buy. Where do you start? Just pick up the phone. Call a Broker or Agent with a property your’e interested in. I did! Over 15 years ago. As a transplant from Connecticut, I made the move. Best thing I ever did. I knew nobody when I started. I’m blogging here to offer some advice and hope you don’t make the mistakes I did. By the way, at the end of this I want you to pick up the phone and call me. I’ll get you where you need to be.
There are as many Brokers and Agents as there are properties to look at. Prices of property are all over the place as well. Heres my 10 Tips that will help guide you.
Come prepared. This means you have taken some notes on what your’e looking for. Do you want woods, pasture or want to be near water?
Buying groceries, gas and supplies is a different experience in North Country. In some cases you will be miles away from anything and more than likely, deep in the woods.
Your Interest! What floats your boat? Snowmobiling? Four wheeling? Fishing or Hunting? Well then, you’ll want to map out your trails or best fishing spots. Including boat ramps etc.
Have a budget in mind and get pre-approved if you can and know your limitations. This will help you and your agent when negotiating for the property you desire. Your offer becomes stronger being pre-approved.
How many hours from home do you want to be? This is time that eats up your long weekends. It would be heart breaking to spend your free time resting for the trip back.
Will you retire or make this a permanent residence?
Will you be looking for something that needs some work? Do you have friends and family that can or will help you?
Property tax liability for the property your’e interested in.
Off Grid or on Grid? Maybe something in between? Is power available?
Are you impatient? Everything moves slow up here. Everything! This is not the city. Phone service can be tough. Contractors are laid back and most have no sense of urgency. Weather can be relentless. Materials for your project can be scarce or non existent.
In the end, if you have the patience, the satisfaction of owning what you have been dreaming of becomes a new reality. New memories in a new place are created. You build a legacy by default. You’ll share with friends and family the great times you might not of had…… It will all be worth it.
