Home buyers often make the mistake of judging a home solely on its appearance. When buying a house, it’s very important to make sure you thoroughly inspect it and don’t be deceived by outward appearances, as this may end up costing you hundreds of dollars in home repairs. Here is how to avoid buying a lemon:
A home’s foundation is the most important thing to look at. If the structure is unsound, it can cost you up to thousands of dollars to have it fixed. When looking at a house, head first to the basement and check for any cracks in the concrete or stone. Then go back upstairs and look for any cracks in the drywall, especially around windows and doors.
While you’re down in the basement, look at the heating and cooling equipment. Check how old it is, if it looks like it’s running properly, and if the vents are well-connected. These are important details to ensure your home is energy-efficient and easy on the utility bills. Replacing HVAC equipment is another huge expense many first-time buyers don’t even think about.
Another thing to check for while you’re down in the basement are brown or white stains down the sides of the walls. These can indicate past leaks. Look for horizontal stains if the floor is bare. Be suspicious if the basement looks like it has been painted very recently, as sellers often do this before showing to hide any signs of water damage. Also look for stains in bathrooms and under the kitchen sink.
Check the electrical system of the home you’re looking at. This is especially important when buying an older house. Houses built before the ’50s may still have old knob-and-tube wiring, which can be a problem if it has been tampered with in any way. You may need to pay more or be turned down altogether for homeowners insurance if you don’t get it replace, and replacing it means rewiring the entire house, which will cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Look at the house at least twice. Don’t rely on first impressions alone. Give it a few days, then go back to see the house again for a fresh perspective.
Probably one of the most basic and crucial things you can do to ensure that you’re not buying a lemon is to get a home inspection done before you seal the deal. It’s amazing how many people ignore this very basic rule, but it could end up saving you from making a bad purchase.
Lastly, trust your instincts. If the price of the home you’re looking at seems too good to be true, there is probably a good reason behind that.
If you are planning to buy a home, let The Incorvaia Team make the process as easy as possible for you. Call us at 440-879-7130 today!
