What kinds of hidden defects should I look out for when Buying a new house?

Question

I am a first time buyer and therefore anxious about buying a house. Are there any things I should be looking out in a house, for instance damp, cracks etc, what else could sellers try to hide from buyers?

Answer 1

First things first.. as a buyer and a seller I have seen that 95% of sellers hide something. there are a multitude of things you need to look for. Cracks in the foundation which could lead to water damage. the footings around the foundation. look in the crawl spaces for water stains or rot in the wood work don't be shy about this. It might be your home for many years. look where the sideing meets the foundation for trails where termites may be hideing. look at the roof and see if it level check the shingles, some might be multi layered. Water stains are a good indication of a leak. ask the year of the home and if any additions have been added. look in the attic for insulation make sure it is to code. check the outlets for three prongs. (you can even buy a cheap testor from wal**rt to see if the wiring is correct). ask what size the electric service is and look at the panel to make sure it is updated with no wires visable. look for insulated windows. a foggy window or cloudy is a sign that the window has lost its vaccume and will be cold. Look for water stains in the sill or bubbly paint which could be a sign of water seeping in through the window. run the water see if the drains are working correctly. flush and run the sink to see if you have good water pressure. NEVER ever be afraid to ask the seller a question.. they should have a disclosure statement of any defects on file with the real estate office. and being a first timer check into a rual development loan. it has different standards than a conventional loan, more insulation septic test, water test, ect, ect, I hope this helps you on your way to getting your new home. best wishes. Ix

Answer 2

Hire a Home Inspector. Check what he inspects for and what coverage he/she has for items that should have been inspected but either were not or incorrectly diagnosed. Some only cover up to the cost of the inspection. Ask if he is licensed or an Association member. Do not use one referred by the sellers realtor. Cost is around $300 but well worth it. There should also be a disclosure from the current owners. If you see things like additions or remodeling work in the house, check with the Building Code office to see if permits and inspections were done. If the utilities are not on, have the proper operation of any appliance (furnace, AC etc) guaranteed in the buying contract. I saved $300 by doing this due to a bad control valve on a furnace and a leaking gas line. Unless you are buying "as is", you can end up putting out a lot of money if an inspection is not done.

Answer 3

One thing (and some consider it the most important) to consider is location. Find out if any natural disasters have occurred in the area (if there have been floods, insurance will be more expensive) or if the house is built on a former toxic waste dump. You can also have the house tested for toxic fumes or radiation from building materials. Visit the house also during busy traffic times to learn the noise level. Take a look at what the neighbors are like and what services are available nearby. Good luck!

Answer 4

Hi

As a first time buyer, there are a lot of issue when you went for house browsing. the most important and troublesome part is the bathroom as if there is any leakage you have to redo all the waterproofing for the bedroom. ways you can look at it visibly is looking for patches (sometimes yellowish in colour) or mouldy patch. Use your hand to feel if it is cold then there is a possibility of water seepage due to moist. If cracks is not to deep just fine line, it is ok can just plaster it and it will be smooth again.

Answer 5

It is well worth the money to have a inspector go thru the house, they know what to look for and where to find it.....plus you will be aware of any problems and know whether it is something you can fix yourself or will have to hire someone to repair.....good luck with your house hunting!

Answer 6

There's just one piece of paper that you want from him the following day...the TITLE! You take that and feature the automobile transferred on your title. That may have the entire pertinent information on it..your title, cope with, acquire rate of the automobile, mileage, and so forth. Oh, and be definite to get a receipt too!

Answer 7

hire a home inspector to insure there are no problems.