Basking Ridge Homes For Sale

Below are some everyday jargons used in describing homes for sale. Be on the lookout for cautionary descriptions that may cover up something undesirable on the home.

Description #1

Flexible floor plan

This may mean the home was custom designed, when it was built. It could also mean that the home has had additions or modifications that don’t match the original floor plan. Watch out for a hodgepodge!

Description #2

Low maintenance yard

This could be a nice way of saying the yard is the size of a postage stamp! It could also mean that there is a lot of rocks and very little grass. It might also mean the foliage is on the wild side.

Description #3

Model home condition

You can assure this means the home is decked out with amenities. This might mean the Seller overpaid the Builder for fancy features and they are now trying to compensate the expense by listing the house higher than it’s realistic market value.

Description #4

Original condition

That’s a nice way of saying the 1978 kitchen cabinets are not only fashion challenged but not very functional.

Description #5

Needs TLC

It may mean that the previous owner(s) ignored the regular maintenance on the house and let the place spoil faster than if they kept the place cared for. When you have a Licensed Inspector come out, make sure to ask him to look beyond the visible TLC and check for signs of costly, and major areas of deferred maintenance on the home.

Description #6

Convenient location

This could be good or bad. It could mean you have all your shopping, churches, schools etc close by for easy transportation. Or it could mean the house sits right on the busiest street in town with a train running through the backyard. Make sure to go back to the house on different days and different hours.

Description #7

No Home Owners’  Association (HOA)

This could mean that there may not be cohesiveness in the area. If the exterior care looks bad that can mean that your property and neighborhood will lose value and status. Ask the neighbors about the community and listen carefully.

Description #8

Sweat equity opportunity

It may mean that you will be working on your home every weekend! Get out the elbow grease and tools on this home!

Ask Adrienne Francis, your Basking Ridge real estate professional to give you more guidance on this subject.