i'm getting ready to buy a house. is it proper to look at the pipes look into closets and run the faucets?

Question

when i decide that i've found the right one how do i decide how much of an offer to make?

Answer 1

look at the local courthouse and see what it is worth and the going rates of equal houses in the area...make an offer based on the worth, there is a website out there for your county to see all the details of all the houses you look at.
run the water, look in closets, basements, crawlspaces....EVERY place to look for things like: signs of water leaks, bugs, fire hazards, things that are too old and need replaced...and use those things you find against them to lower the price

worked for me !!! and I did it myself so I did not have to pay anyone...ask a family memeber for help too
:+)

Answer 2

I agree with some of the others, look at everything. Look at every corner of every room, at the whole ceiling, in the attic. Be aware of potential water damage, but just look for stuff that doesn't look right.

Also be aware that such an inspection may indicate to the realtor that you are very interested in the house.

THIS IS IMPORTANT: The realtors code of ethics requires them to work for the seller. Even if you've got some realtor who's snagged on to you and is showing you houses from other firms, according to the ethics he's working for the seller, not for you. Don't think you can trust him/her to get you the best price, you can't, what you can trust is that he/she will do everything in their power to get the best price for the seller.

Getting a good deal all depends on your method of attack. A year or two ago, getting a good deal meant getting in the highest bid OVER the sellers price as soon as you could after the house went on the market.

Truth is, to get a good deal, you have to be willing to lose the house to someone else as you haggle.

If you have plenty of time and don't mind house shopping, if you lose the house make a low ball offer with a withdrawal date for the offer. Then sit and wait. If they reply with a counter offer, add $10 to yours and re-counter.

A neighbor of ours had to come down $100,000 on a house they were trying to sell for $400,000. There is that much play if you find the right seller, say one that has already moved out and is paying two house payments.

The key is the ability to accept the fact that you might, or probably will lose the house and have to start over. If you want it badly, you will probably meet the sellers demands if you think you'll lose it. (Remember the realtor is representing the seller so don't believe much that they tell you when it comes to negotiations.)

Answer 3

It is very proper and highly recommended. My brother is a home inspector and these are only a few of the things to do. Check the crawl space for water damage,turn the faucets on and off, check pipes, check water heater area for water damage, check attic for previous roof leaks, flip every light switch on and off, turn oven and stove on and off, turn furnace and a/c on and off. When I say turn every switch off and on I am being serious. Or for around 3-5 hundred you can hire an inspector, depending on the area where you are located. In Indiana they range from 3-4 hundred usually.
When you find a house you like, hire someone from a bank to do an appraisal, that will give you an idea where to start the offers. Or if you are approved for a loan, they will usually take care of the appraisal.

Answer 4

Yes, Yes, Yes. And do. Do. Do. You can even hire a house inspector to make sure that everything is ok with the house. There may be some things that are not visually apparent.

Get a real estate agent. Your offer should be based on comparables and on the housing market in your area. If your first offer is rejected, you can always make another offer.

Do your assignment in financing. So that you don't have that hanging over your head when you do make an offer.

Answer 5

permit me tho, you asked a question and yet you trying to answer it....the truth about you purchasing a house and you knowing how much you are going to pay for it now depends on the conditions of the house..so to know the worth of the house you re advice to look at the pipes, look into closets and run the faucets..and after doing all these, you find out that the house confines with the type of house you asking for, then you might make your offer

Answer 6

Noonee's right. You have the right to look in the attic, the crawl space, the secret room where Aunt Mary's body is stored--everywhere. You're a potential buyer, so you must check everything. Would you go into a store and buy a suit right off the rack without at least checking its size? The realtor will guide you in offers. It's a good idea to bring along your partner or a trusted friend who has some experience in these matters. Good luck.

Answer 7

Oh definitely! Better yet you should pay to have a home inspector come along with you once you have found something that you do like just to put their stamp of approval on the BIG purchase.
I'm glad I did as the house needed a new roof, furnace and the yard flooded. Professionals know these things. Good luck!

Answer 8

Be sure to check everything you can AND get a proper home inspection done. Offer what you think the house is worth to you - in this buyer's market (depending on where you are) I'd start with about 15% less than they are asking. Use your judgement. Maybe you should be consulting with a realtor.

Answer 9

Not only is it proper it's a necessity. Is the water pressure good, does the bathtub drain fast enough, is there enough closet space.....all valid questions you need answered. Your home inspector should be doing some of the same things if you end up with an accepted offer.

Answer 10

Check EVERYTHING out the pipes, outlets, etc. From the attic to the basement. Also don't forget to look at the yard too.

It would be wise to hire a appraiser/inspector also to look over the house. Your making a big investment and it is to be expected. The appraiser will give you a idea on what the house is really worth.

Answer 11

Find a qualified home inspector by visiting the website of the American Society of Home Inspectors: www.ashi.org. Click on the link for "find an inspector" and it will give you a list of ASHI members who serve your zip code.

As for the pricing issue, a good place to start is with Zillow (www.zillow.com), and of course ask your agent. Make sure you choose a competent agent, not just your hairdresser's nephew who's part-timing and just starting in the business. When there's this much money at stake, you want a seasoned pro!