When looking at homes to buy it is really easy to look past the details and fall in love with a home based solely on one quick look. But it is important that you take the time to really look at the details of a home you are potentially going to buy. We always recommend serious buyers take more than just one walk-through of a home before making the decision to buy. There are 5 key things you’ll want to look for when buying a house.
#1: Take a look at the land. Not only are you buying the house, you are buying the land as well. Pay attention to the lot/yard. Make sure it is the size and type of yard you want to work with. Pay attention to the surrounding yards as well. Take note of any areas that look prone to flooding. Also take note of any fencing in the yard and its current condition.
#2: Look at the roof and foundation. A new build home should have a roof that lasts 20-30 years depending on conditions. Old roofs can add up quickly, costing anywhere from $5,000-$10,000+ to replace. Ignoring an old roof could cause damage to the entire house. Looking at the foundation is vital as even one small crack can turn into an expensive fix. You’ll want to make sure you’re buying a home with a solid foundation and roof.
#3: Take notice of the smells both outside and inside the home. Beware if you smell gas, sewage or anything else unpleasant. You simply should not be able to smell said items. If you’re smelling any of these, you’ll need to get down to the bottom of where it is coming from and why. Also take note of any other odors such as cigarettes, pet odors and mildew.
#4: Check plumbing and electric. Look under sinks, in showers and around toilets. Look for any signs of water damage or mold growth. Also, take the time to try out light switches. To get to the guts of plumbing and electric is more of a job or an inspector, so take use of that.
#5: Think in terms of renovations. Often times ugly carpeting or paint colors can make us want to turn down a house right away. But flooring and paint are often easy and reasonable renovations that can turn a home into your dream. But beware of bigger renovations such as bathrooms or full kitchen revamps as these are often quite pricey. Factor renovations into your buying price.
Buying a home is a big deal. And a decision you shouldn’t take lightly. When looking at homes, ask lots of questions, do lots of looking and make sure you are buying the quality of home you want.