2007-03-06 09:08:38 · 8 answers · asked by Jan 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
When you think you are serious, please consider paying a professional home inspector to give it a once-over.
You didn't say where you are, so this site happens to be in Canada. Never-the-less it has valuable tips on what to ask for and you will learn enough to search for one near you...
http://www.home-inspectors.com/
2007-03-06 09:43:08 · answer #1 · answered by KirksWorld 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jan:
Get your own agent. Do NOT let some guy handle both ends of the deal (double ending). The seller is paying the agent, so the agent who's sign is in the yard works for the seller, not you. Get someone who represents you.
There are books and check lists available about what to check when buying. Get one of those and find out if your state requires a full disclosure by the seller. That is information on all know problems. If your state requires disclosure then ask questions, lots and lots of questions. Some of those question will be in the book or on the checklist already mentioned.
Last but not least, don't be afraid to make an offer of less than the asking price. Especially in today's market a lot of property is going at a discount. This is another place where having your own agent is important.
Good luck...
2007-03-06 17:48:02 · answer #2 · answered by gimpalomg 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have any contacts in the construction field ask them if they would take a look at the house before you buy it. Just like you would bring a car to a well known mechanic before you buy it. There are certain things you need to look for in a house that only experience in the industry knows about. I could spend all day listing the things you need to look for and a skill contractor could walk into the house you're thinking of buying and in two seconds spot something, not on my list, and advise you not to buy the house.
2007-03-06 18:09:42 · answer #3 · answered by Coyote81 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One thing that I had forgot to look for, but lucked out anyway was how the house sat in relationship to the sun. Example: Do you want the afternoon sun (hottest part of the day) in your backyard, front yard or side yard. I live in the Desert Southwest and I would hate to have the Sun in my backyard in the afternoon. It would be too hot to even sit out there (yes, I could buy an umbrella, but would rather not). So that is definitely something to think about.
2007-03-06 17:23:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
check date on furnace,they usually last a few years but if it is over 10 years old be ready to put out a good buck to replace it soon.check out the roof see if shingles are curling up,that means poor insulation,look for cracks in the foundation,check for mold around windows n doors,check for mold alond bottom of walls in bathroom.keep an eye out for any stains on drywall or ceiling tiles.Leaks
2007-03-06 17:17:43 · answer #5 · answered by bahummbugg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
plenty of space, check for any water damage on the ceilings and in the basement, check the foundation for any cracks and wood for termite damage, check the roof and make sure the shingles aren't worned down and last make sure you have cool neighbors. good luck
2007-03-06 17:16:08 · answer #6 · answered by who me? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A house you like? No, not first... get approved for a mortgage prior to looking... see what you can afford and not what you want (unless you're lucky and they match)... once you're ready, find an agent (from a friend who liked him/her) and get hunting...
Good Luck!
2007-03-06 17:15:09 · answer #7 · answered by 6kidsANDalwaysFIXINGsomething 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cracked foundation, sagging windows, sticking doors, water damaged floor, holes in roof, termites
2007-03-06 17:18:08 · answer #8 · answered by Jeancommunicates 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋