Hello World! Welcome Friends! Most people shifting to the US to join their spouses usually look forward to a new house, setting up roots, and starting their life together. If you have a spouse in the US and are planning to join them, you could be eligible for the k3 visa or, as it is commonly known, the Spouse Visa. This visa requires meeting the eligibility criteria, proof of marriage, and a few other documents, and original paperwork. The process is slightly long, so you should get expert help from well-reputed immigration lawyers to ensure that the process is done smoothly.
Once the application process starts, you might need to consider moving to a new house together. Whether it is your first house as a couple or you have lived together earlier, house hunting can be slightly tedious (especially if you are considering the purchase of new property).
If you are unsure about starting your house hunting adventure together, we have a few valuable tips that could help make your life simpler.
Plan a Budget:
Buying or renting a house together will always mean an additional financial responsibility. It is best to chalk out a budget with an upper and lower limit. Doing so will help you avoid unnecessary expenses while you are house hunting. When planning the approximation, you must also factor in additional costs like plumbing, electrical, and other household repairs.
It is best to speak to realtors and agents in advance and let them know that you are interested in only certain types of properties (close to schools, newer construction, not on the main road, and so on). Keep in mind that monthly mortgage payments could go as high as 30% of the household income.
Must-Haves:
When you are house-hunting, you should keep the must-haves to a minimum. The reason for this minimum is that you may get to see more places if you have fewer rigid demands. Some things you could compromise on could be walk-in wardrobes, spa showers, and so on. However, your must-haves should not compromise on the size of the backyard, front lawn, storage space, kitchen size, number of bedrooms, and the neighborhood’s safety.
Scrutinize Each Property:
Realtors in the US will try to get you to move from one house to the next quickly. Avoid rushing, and instead, take your time with each property.
Some red flags to beware of during inspection:
- New Roof – If the roof is new, always enquire about the cost. If it is too low, the installers may not have removed the earlier one, which may rot in the future.
- Electrical Sockets – Inspect the electrical sockets to see if they are updated and positioned correctly. Many realtors run lights and other fixtures on extension boards because the house may not have electrical rewiring done recently.
- Inspect The Attic – if the attic is filled with musty, old items, you should insist on vacant possession. Having the earlier owners remove all their stuff is helpful since you would not have to spend additional money getting rid of their trash.
- Cracks and Patchwork – When inspecting the house, always check the ceilings, flooring, and walls for hasty patchwork and cracks. Finding them could mean additional repair costs for you in the long term.
- Windows and Lighting – Nothing makes a home more gloomy than not having natural light. When assessing, you should check the amount of natural light coming into each room.
- Basement – Always check the cellar during the inspection. If it smells like mold or has a stale, musty, wet odor, there is probably a leak somewhere that will need fixing in the immediate future.
- Carry A Marble – If you feel the house foundation could be an issue, place a marble on the floor and see how it rolls. It simply means there is a slope, and one side of the house has tilted slightly. You may need to do foundational work too.
Negotiating the Price:
While you are negotiating the price of a chosen property, you should make a list of all the expenses you will probably incur in the house’s upkeep. Before putting all your money in, it is also advisable to get an external home valuation done from an unrelated source. Doing this will give you an estimate of the property value before you start negotiations. Also, you should remember that neighborhoods closer to school areas, parks, and community centers have a higher resale value in the US. To avoid paying higher rates, it is best to start negotiations with the owner and include non-price factors like upkeep, maintenance, and mortgage to reduce the price.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Plumbing Services in Pasadena – Tips for Finding the Right One
The Benefits of Hiring a Commercial Electrician When Opening a Restaurant
How to Successfully Clear the Clutter In Your Home
10 Common Mistakes with Designing Patios and How to Avoid Them
Excellent Kitchen Appliance Maintenance Tips to Keep Them in Top Shape
5 Quick Renovation Projects to Revamp Your Space
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Toodles,
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