You’re about to take a big step in your life. You’re buying a home. If you’ve never bought a house before, this can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. There are many things to think about when purchasing a previously owned property, and buying a home is an investment that can last you the rest of your life. So let’s look at some of these things you should do while looking at houses.
Know What to Look For
When you’re considering purchasing a previously-owned home, you must research the property’s history. You want to be sure that what you’re getting is in good condition and won’t cost you too much money down the road.
Here are some things to look for:
- Water damage or mold: Look for signs of leakage around windows and doors, as well as discoloration and stains on walls, ceilings, and floors. If there are water stains on walls or floors within three feet of plumbing pipes or heating ducts, this may indicate an issue with your HVAC system, another place where leaks tend to occur.
- Electrical problems: Consider looking at electrical outlets (both indoors and outdoors), switches, fuses/breakers/circuit breakers/main panels, etc., lighting fixtures (both inside & outside), and ceiling fans/lamps too. If any items appear damaged or worn out, they should be replaced immediately after buying the house so that they don’t become safety hazards later down the road.
Get a Home Inspection With A Qualified Home Inspector
A home inspection is a great idea, especially if you’re buying a house that’s been previously owned. A professional home inspector will use their expertise to inspect the property and ensure it’s safe for you and your family. They’ll look for structural issues, mold and moisture problems, electrical problems, plumbing issues, and more. A home inspection can help protect you from making an expensive mistake later on down the road when it comes time to sell your house or buy another one.
A professional home inspector will come with all of the necessary tools needed to conduct an inspection properly, like flashlights, measuring tape, tools for taking apart walls, tools for checking electrical outlets and wiring, tools for testing plumbing systems, and the list goes on. You may not even notice certain things about your new place until someone who knows what they’re doing points them out to you. It could be anything from how much space there is between floors (which could cause mold), whether there are any signs that termites have gotten into wooden structures, and whether there are indications that rodents have been visiting regularly.
In most cases, these days people hire inspectors because they want peace of mind. For example, St. Simons has a lot of real estate on sale with the median age of properties being 32 years. Moreover, the median cost of real estate is also on the higher side – $438,500. Therefore, it would help to know from a St. Simons Home Inspector that everything is safe before buying a property outright from another person/company who did not perform inspections themselves.
Look at the Exterior of the House
Before you even step inside, you’ll want to make sure that the exterior of the house is in good shape. Start by looking at the foundation. If there are cracks or gaps between walls and floorboards, it could be a sign of water damage. If any part of your home has been damaged in previous storms or hurricanes (or even just heavy rains), that’s something else to look out for.
Check for peeling paint and cracked walls near windows, where wind gusts frequently hit houses. Finally, check for signs of termites by checking along baseboards and window frames. These pests can be destructive and expensive to get rid of. 2022 is predicted to have an above-average hurricane season, so you must ensure that the house you are buying has a well-maintained exterior.
Check the Attic and Basement
You may not want to think about it, but your attic and basement are both potential trouble spots. You need to check for water damage and mold, but also for electrical problems, pests (including bugs), or structural problems that could be hidden from view.
If you see a problem that you’re not sure how to fix (or if something looks out of place), ask the seller about it. They may have been aware of the issue and already taken care of it, or at least want you to know about it so they can get paid for their work.
Look at Major Appliances
The first thing to do is check the age of all major appliances. These are things like your refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher. You can determine the age by looking at a sticker on each appliance or by checking up on its model number online. The next step is to check whether these items are in good working order. If they’re not, consider having them replaced before you move into your new home. Finally, be sure to also look at warranties for any appliances that have them.
Ask About Built In Appliances and Fixtures
The selling agent should be able to tell you if the home comes with built-in appliances and fixtures. If so, ask if they have warranties or service contracts. You’ll also want to find out if there are any recalls on the appliances so that you can get them fixed before moving in. Additionally, ask about any warranty plans relating to these items. Many people are unaware of this option when buying a used home, but it can save you thousands of dollars.
HVAC Systems Should Be Checked By an Expert
When buying a previously owned home, you should check the HVAC system. The heating and cooling unit is a large investment that can cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace. If you’re not sure how long it has been since your HVAC system was last serviced, then it’s probably time for an inspection by an expert.
The cost of hiring an independent contractor to inspect your home’s HVAC system will be well worth it if they find serious problems with any part of it. A malfunctioning heat pump or air conditioner could cause damage and even injury if not functioning properly. This is something that needs to be taken seriously before purchasing a house or condo with one installed inside its walls.
Roof Inspections Can Save You Money Later On
If you’re buying a home, it’s important to know the condition of all its parts. One of the most important is the roof. Roofs are expensive to replace and can cause roof leaks that lead to water damage inside your home. A professional roof inspection will tell you if there’s any damage and how much it would cost to repair the damage or replace your entire roof altogether.
The inspection will also let you know whether or not it’s time for an upgrade so that your house stays safe from water damage when unexpected storms come through town. Note that winter and severe weather caused 85% of losses worldwide. It’s best to ensure that the roof is in perfect condition before buying a pre-owned house.
Conclusion
Buying a house is a big step, and you want to ensure it’s the right one. Working with a real estate professional who has experience in inspecting properties can help guide you through the process. But even if you do not choose to hire an inspector or other professional, it’s important that you do some research on your own before making such an important decision.
