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Tips for the Homebuyer
Do the math before you buy a house. The fact that a lender will lend you money to buy a house doesn't mean you can afford it.
- Do you know what the taxes are?
- What happens if the roof needs to be replaced or the waste lines need to be dug up or the furnace blows?
- Do you know how much the utilities cost?
- Do you know how much it costs to heat the home?
The answers to these questions are free.
Find out what the seller paid for the house and when by checking with the county clerk records. Check the Assessor's records to find out the current assessed value of the property.
- If you are offering to pay a great deal more, find out why?
- What work has been done to the property?
- Ask for proof as to what was paid for work performed?
The answers to these questions are free.
Don't assume that is makes economic sense to buy a house.
- If you overpay for a house, you are the loser.
- If the house you buy falls in value, you are the loser.
- Get an independent home inspection. An appraisal, even if it correctly establishes the market value, does not vouchsafe the mechanical systems in a house. This should cost approximately $250.00.
If the deal involves the seller holding the mortgage, approach it with great caution. A seller can foreclose on your property easier than a bank or mortgage company.
- Get a title report paid for by the seller.
- Get a home inspection.
- Get your own appraisal.
- Get a lawyer to represent you. This should cost you approximately $400.00.
Remember, you must watch out for for your best interests.
- Not the real estate broker.
- Not the mortgage broker.
- Not the lender.
- Not the appraiser.
- Not the seller.
If you can't afford a home inspection, appraisal or lawyer, then you probably can't afford to buy a home. If you are not sure, think twice. Make sure you have answers to all your question before you proceed.
For an application for the Town of Amherst First-Time Homebuyer Program, please call (716) 631-7082.
Planning Department
5583 Main St
Williamsville,
NY
14221
(716)
631-7051
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Mon-Fri)
Planning Department
Current Planning
Long-Range Planning
Community Development
Community Development Housing Assistance Programs
Planning Department
Department, Planning
Planning Department (General Number)
716-631-7051
Howard, Daniel
Planning Director
716-631-7051
Ulatowski, Daniel
Assistant Planning Director/ZEO
716-631-7058
Amplement, Kimberly
Senior Planner
716-631-7103
Carrato, Amy
Community Development Assistant
716-631-7051
Fadel, Bryan
Senior Clerk Typist
716-631-7052
Marshall, Scott
Principal Planner
716-631-7074
Palumbo, Gary
Associate Planner
716-631-7056
Rappoccio, Roberta
Associate Planner
716-631-7071
Szatkowski, Jeffrey
Landscape Architect
716-631-7054
Community Development
Department, Community Development
Community Development (General Number)
716-631-7082
Stillwell, Laurie
Principal Planner
716-631-7050
Boerschig, Rachel
Senior Clerk Typist
716-631-7082
Fitzpatrick, Susan
Community Development Specialist
716-631-7053
Klein, Jeffrey
Code Enforcement Officer
716-631-7057
Quinn, James
Assistant Planner
716-631-7104
Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance up to $50,000
The Town of Amherst has a new First-Time Homebuyer Program and is assisting homebuyers with up to $50,000 to purchase a home in Amherst. Please see the flyer for more information.
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