What should I ask before I buy it?What did you not know when you moved in that you wish you knew?

Question

The condo is new. What did you not know when you moved in that you wish you knew?I am about to buy a condo in Miami.

Answer 1

Do you have kids? this new housing are building things out of shody material, the door knobs have plastic that break with use, The doors hinges don't last like hinges of old. the foundation settles and the fixtures change postion. cabinate doors and material tend to be cheap and seems to be just for show.

Answer 2

Here are some considerations that may not show up on the seller's disclosure forms:

Outside noise levels from the street and surrounding areas. People can get used to a lot of things and they may neglect to list these, such as neighbors playing loud music, during the day and at night, dogs barking or other livestock noises, street traffic, railroad trains passing, airplanes taking off and landing. Some neighbors may spend their weekends tuning up their hot rods and race cars, with engines roaring in the garages.

Street gutters flooding during seasonal rains. It may not even be in front of your house. If the intersections are closed at both ends of your block, you may not be able to get in and out of your house. Similar problems with sewers and house drains may be seasonal. Be sure to ask.

Chiminey smoke from some upwind, or downhill neighbor, blowing into your house.

Previous owner's pets leaving hidden stains, or leftover odors that may not show up until warmer weather.

Racoons or other wildlife taking up seasonal residence in the attics or basements.

Were the beautiful flowers, growing around the house established for a while, or were they put in to bad soil just before the house was put up for sale?

Doors may not be sticky this season, but does the building shift during warmer months?

Do ALL the electrical outlets work. Seriously, on you last inspection, before you close escrow, go around the house with a small desk lamp or something. Stick the plug into EVERY outlet you can find. If any do not work, it may not be a serious problem, but you never know. Ask about when the electrical wiring and plumbing were last inspected. Find out about local building codes and about when the condo was built, to compare what standards were used then.

Check every smoke alarm to see if they work. Missing batteries may be an indication of a careless previous owner.

Make sure you ask these kinds of questions of the seller or the agent BEFORE you buy.. Depending on the state you live in, if they are found to be deliberately hiding this kind of information from the seller, you may have grounds to sue.

Answer 3

Structure – Basement, check the foundation for cracks or water marks. Floors, are they level? Does the roof sag?

Water damage – Look for unevenly painted ceiling or wall; mildew odor in basement; signs of re-plastering or re-tiling in just one area of the room.

Water pressure – Flush toilet and turn on both hot and cold water faucets at the same time to test.

Plumbing – Ask what type pipes are installed and their age. If applicable, ask when the septic system was last inspected and cleaned. Stand near the tank to detect odor or soggy ground.
Wiring – A 100-amp system is typical in modern construction and uses a one-inch main line; this can be seen leading to the fuse box. Appliances such as dryer or range require a 220-amp line. Notice if lights flicker or don’t work. Check for electrical outlets . . . usually at least 2 in each room.

Energy efficiency – Ask to check last year’s heating and cooling bills. Determine if proper insulation has been used.

Pests – Be alert for small accumulation of sawdust in the basement. This might indicate an insect problem. Obtain date and results of the last wood-destroying pest inspection.

Answer 4

If it's brand new construction, then you may want to ask for warranties on any of the appliances that come with it, A/C, etc. Also, make sure to do a walk through and check out things like how the doors close (i.e., can you push them open even if they're locked?), how the cabinets work, make sure the light switches turn on what they should turn on, etc. If you want to be really thorough, make sure every socket has electricity (a simple night light can be used to test this). Also, look for scratches on the walls.

Answer 5

Fees. Condos always come with fees attached.

Utilities. Make sure you find out what the average utilities cost.

Get the Home Warranty if it is available. Things break even in new places so you need to protect yourself.

Answer 6

Well we didn't really get to ask anything, we are military and the place was basically given to us, and there wasn't much choice, however one thing I wished I had known before was the amount of ants and how much of a problem they are here. They are such pests and so bothersome, so ask about insects.

Answer 7

Security. Crime Stats. Parking issues (can friends park without a pass). Maintanence turnaround (how long would it take if.....), etc.

If you're condominium is new (and the entire complex too) then those would be the main issues I would ask about.

Answer 8

Your mortgage rate .. what is it will it change and to what and when . is there a property management group and what are the rules. in 6 months if my skylight leaks and damages the wall who will be resoponsible for it. as well as everything the others listed , its tough and scary
Good Luck

Answer 9

The law is full disclosure. Ask the realtor for anything that might be pertinent. They have to tell.