Many things must be taken into consideration before you purchase a home. New home buyers are often taken advantage of because they simply don’t realize how potentially serious some issues may be. Today, I’m going to go over several key areas to look at before you sign any type of paperwork or make an offer on the home you’re currently falling in love with. Take off the rose colored glasses and look at it for exactly what it is – a structure that needs to stand the test of time.
Pests and Insects
Termites are the worst type of infection simply because of their ability to completely destroy the home. Where termites are not dealt with swiftly, there is little structural integrity. Other pests to be aware of are mice, rats, ants, or any type of roach. Ants and mice are fairly easy to deal with and many homeowners keep mouse traps and ant bait around the home.
Structural Problems
Take a good look at the foundation. If you see any type of water damage, standing water, cracks, or shoddy craftsmanship, don’t sign the contract without further review by an expert. The home’s foundation provides the structural integrity for the rest of the home. A weak foundation will create problems quickly if it isn’t dealt with in a timely manner.
Old or Damaged Roof
Look carefully at the roofing material from every vantage point. Each type of roofing material has its own unique appearance when it’s in good (or bad) condition. Asphalt shingles look uniform and have a somewhat grainy or sandy appearance when they’re in good condition. They may look mix-matched, patchy, or even slick if they’re in poor condition.
A lot of careful consideration goes into any home purchase. Older homes come with their own unique set of issues including asbestos insulation and lead paint as well as potential structural, wiring, and plumbing problems. Don’t allow yourself to be pushed into purchasing a home because other people are interested or this home won’t last on the local market long without doing a thorough inspection.
There is always time to properly inspect a home before it is purchased out from under you, and it’s better to be proactively safe than sorry in three months when you realize there are serious problems that would have stopped you from making the purchase had you know they existed. Don’t underestimate the importance of a professional home inspection before you toss your hard-earned dollars at a new home purchase.
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