2007-03-23 02:38:57 · 9 answers · asked by jjfaraon 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Hire a Home Inspector. If you make an offer, include a contingency in the agreement, that the house must pass inspection. If the inspection turns up any problems, consider the costs to fix them. Either get a discount from the sell price or have the seller get the repairs done before you close on the house.
Look carefully at your budget. Get a pre-approved amount from your mortgage company before you go looking.
Consider the age of major things like the furnace and the water heater. The newer the better. What kind of windows the house has is also important. Old wood frame windows are drafty and inefficient. Heat bills will be high. Newer windows are better. Are you a do-it-yourself guy? Does the house need major renovations and improvements? Can you do it? or will you need to hire contractors?
2007-03-23 02:48:45 · answer #1 · answered by bugs280 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you go in the house, check bathrooms, flush toilets, look at walls for cracks, and leaks. Look for upgrades, like new kitchen, new baths, new windows, because these are the most expensive upgrades in a house. Outside look up at the roof and property and see the condition, uplifted roof tiles, etc. If it is a rainy day check for flooding or puddles outside. Check basement that it is dry and does not have a musty odor, as that is an indication of water damage. Ask how old is the oil burner and water heater. They last approximately 25 years, so if house is that old, you may have to replace oil burner or water heater. If you like the house and want to give a bid and the bid is accepted, it would be contingent on the condition that you have a structural engineer check the house from top to bottom. If the engineer finds damages, then you would ask the owner to take off money off the asking price so that you can make repairs and if they refuse, then maybe you should look some more. Good Luck
2007-03-23 02:49:41 · answer #2 · answered by cardgirl2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
termite damage under the foundation is a big one. Check plumbing and make sure the electrical is all up to code. Look at all the little things. Are the floors well kept and the walls, look at all the heating and cooling ducts to see if they are fitted well. If you have kids, find out about the schools in the area. Talk to potential neighbors about the area. Talk to police department about crime in the area and the fire department about response times and safety inspections. Be as picky as you can. Anything that you don't like you can talk to your agent or the lawyer and you can have it written up in your purchase agreement that the person selling the house needs to take care of it, or it could be deducted from your mortgage. If you don't have appliances your agent might be able to get you some and add the cost to your mortgage. Also check out the local flood plain to see if you might need additional insurance. Good luck.
2007-03-23 02:49:19 · answer #3 · answered by ibyt2692 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Slightly off topic but definately get a fixed rate through a bank....don't fall for any of that creative financing variable rate stuff.
As for the house...location location location...it's better to buy a smaller well kept house in a nice or upper scale neighborhood than it is to buy the biggest house in a crappy neighborhood.
Some items to check...how old is the roof (they last 20-25 years)...how old is the furnace (again 20-25 years and you'll need a new one)...good luck!!
2007-03-23 02:44:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow, where do i start? roof, electric service, plumbing, foundation condition, insulation, signs of insect damage, mold, the list is extensive. you would be well advised to hire a professional home inspector. they normally have a check list that will address upwards of a hundred different items. an assessment by a licensed pro can also be a valuable bargaining chip, when negotiating with the seller. it may also be a requirement of the finance company.
2007-03-23 02:51:32 · answer #5 · answered by sic-n-tired 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
look for a registered house inspector. they charge a fee, but youhave a professional ,who knows what to look for. or go to the librairy and there is a booklet that helps you look for yourself. make sure you have a camera to take pictures of the houses you may look at, you sometimes get confused after looking at several houses, the pictures will helpkeep things fresh in your mind. don,t be afraid to look everywhere in the houses you look at. hope this gets you on the right track.
2007-03-23 02:56:32 · answer #6 · answered by mister c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buying a house?It should face East.It should'nt be corner house.Check all the property papers through your attorney.Examine the sewerage and electrical underground system through specialists. It should not be very close to any theater,hospital,school,market,main road,community center, church or club.Rest is all depends on your luck.
2007-03-23 03:04:11 · answer #7 · answered by daisymashobra 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There r many things u should look for the top things that come to mind r asking when the roof was done, electrical is up to code, the age of the water heaters and heating systems, plumping, and if there r any liens on the house.
2007-03-23 05:41:55 · answer #8 · answered by bmyconsprcys 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get structural inspection and termite inspection finally a market appraisal
2007-03-23 02:46:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋