What Should A First Time Home Buyer In Valdosta Look For?

Looking for an ideal house is the most important decision a family can make in their domestic life. Ultimately, that house will become a home all of you will dwell in. It can also turn into a family house to pass down for generations and generations (if it is excellent and sturdy). 

This city boasts acres of rural areas that blend with their semi-industrialized cityscapes, all the while maintaining the historical highlights it has. According to this report, Valdosta is ranked #38 as the safest city to live in, with 56,000 population and just a little over 400 crime cases. The property crime rate is 4%, which is less than any other cities and counties in Georgia.

What Is Life In Valdosta, GA Like?

Valdosta is a city in southern Georgia. It is a city with a substantial population to make both the image of a bustling city as well as a rural town with friendly southern neighbors. Though not as big and industrialized as big cities like New York, there is also much to do in Valdosta. Here are some great points you might want to think about:

  1. It’s A Safe City To Live In.

With a small crime rate, this part of Georgia is relatively safe compared to Tallahassee, which is twice the population of Valdosta. Some areas can be considered unsafe for people, but the majority of this city is safe and child friendly. 

Most of the people that live in Valdosta are college students, and people who rent out a place. However, if you wish to live here permanently, there are many affordable houses for sale that are in great condition. With that in mind, remember that this place is not for someone who likes fast-paced, city life. It is more suited to peaceful rural family life.

  • Highlights and Historical Marks 

If you are into sports, Freedom Park is a great place to exercise that hobby. There are acres dedicated to baseball courts, soccer fields, and even a golf course. There is a children’s playground as well as complexes for both small and large pets to play around.

For your children, there is another playground but this one is indoors. A jungle gym called “Jungle Jym’s Family Fun Center” is a 25,000 square feet space where your children can play in bounce areas, ball pits, and even an arcade.

History buffs might like this next highlight. Valdosta’s museum called the Lowndes County Historical Museum preserves the city’s history. The society behind it aims to bring awareness to the community of researches, documents, and even war photographs as well as textiles in the form of war uniforms and periodic outfits.

Lastly, a historical mark made by William S. West was recognized in 1980 by the National Register of Historic Places. It is called The Crescent, a mansion circular in shape surrounded by beautiful landscapes and maintained gardens. It is an ideal place to rent for weddings, events, and antique sales.

  • The Normal, Everyday Life

Valdosta is described by many of its inhabitants as a rural, private place if you prefer some peace of mind. This city is humid in most years, and winters are short. If the cold is not your cup of tea, this city is a match for you. The summers, however, are long and sometimes very warm. 

It is also very close to other cities, such as Tallahassee, Atlanta, and a very well-known beach in St. Simon’s Island. There are also other places the citizens and tourists can go to sight-see, like the Wild Adventures Theme Park and a military base. Mostly, it is the VSU in which people either move or visit. 

Other than that, if you want to inhabit this city, brace yourself for an easy-going, relaxed, and almost little to no nightlife. Otherwise, it is understandable to consider either Atlanta or Tallahassee.

Tips To Consider When Purchasing A Property In GA

Before buying a property, look at these considerations first:

  1. Is there someone to help you with purchasing a home? 

This can be a real estate agent that will show you houses in accordance with your preference and budget. In purchasing houses for sale in Valdosta GA, it is pertinent to get competent agents that know what they’re doing. An ideal real estate agent would present proper and credible properties, as well as negotiate the price on your behalf. In another setting, an agent can sell your property and give it a hefty price, since professional marketing is better than posting pictures of your home online and waiting for a buyer.

  • Shop around first.

In any buying experience, it is always wise to look around than jumping on the first thing that you fancy. This will avoid any regrets in the future, and you might see something you like that is much cheaper than the first one. This way, you can talk to your agent and get their advice as well.

  • When considering a property, always inspect.

This is to avoid nasty surprises. Not all perfect homes remain perfect when inspected. Some have serious repairs that insurance doesn’t cover. It’s important to get a professional to look into the condition of the home, and if there are problems found, you can either withdraw from the deal or have the seller fix it up and offer a discount.

The First Time Home Buyer Advantage

Now that we have finished discussing the essentials, let’s move to the technical details. There is something called the First Time Home Buyer Advantage that lets you have perks and discounts as long as you meet the conditions. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) found in this site (https://www.investopedia.com/updates/first-time-home-buyer/), they are as follows: 

  • You must not have owned a principal residence before this. Principal residence refers to a place you or your family lives most of the time. It can be a condo, an apartment, a boat, or a house. If you have bought one before, but your spouse hasn’t, then both of you are still eligible for this advantage
  • A single mother/father that owned a principal residence while in the former marriage.
  • A displaced homemaker who only owned a house with their spouse before.
  • A person who has only owned a primary residence not perpetually affixed to a permanent foundation under applicable regulations
  • A person who has only owned a property that was not in acquiescence with state, local, or model building codes—and that cannot be brought into acquiescence for less than the cost of the construction of a permanent structure.

First, find out if you are eligible through these conditions. If you have passed, then you will be obliged to have little to no down payment loans as well as federal tax credits and many more. This will help you greatly in your journey to finding a perfect home for your family or yourself. 

Author: Rowena Oliver