Buying a new home is not like some law makers said, “you have to pass it (or in this case buy it) before you can see what is in it”. Here are some tips to help you to see what is in a house before you buy.
When you begin your endeavor to buy a house, visit a number of properties and take good notes before making a final decision. Take some photos and make notes on negative and positive points of each house. You will surely want to identify anything that might be an extra cost; ranging from minor replacements to serious structural work.
When you are ready to write a contract, one of the provisions you need to include is for a professional home inspector to inspect for defects that might be costly to repair; giving you an out on the contract. Here are some of the items that a professional would look for but you should also do your own inspection prior to entering into a contract.
- Turn on the water taps to check for pressure and drainage; also for dirty or rusty water.
- Check the water heater along with piping checking for age and rusty pipes.
- Inspect for insulation, empty cavities, R factors, and amount.
- Look for major cracks in the masonry, siding, or interior drywall. If the doors are sticking, this house may have foundation problems.
- Check for dampness in the walls and look for signs of peeling or bubbling paint. Finding and repairing a leak can be costly.
- Check wet areas for mold and mildew; this problem has to be removed, not covered up by fresh paint.
- Walk around the exterior and look for termite dirt tunnels. Termites can be found in moist areas.
- Make sure there is good storage, like built-ins and sheds that can save you money over time.
- Check for electrical problems and whether it has an ample electrical service, today we are in an electronic world so look for a minimum of a 500 amp service. Does it have an internet access?
- Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms in the house to renovate. Assess if minor updating is all you need, or major work such as replacing the quality of cupboards, benches, plumbing fittings and tiling.
- Make sure the size and placement of the rooms fit your life style and that your furniture will fit.
Before you make the final decision, revisit some basic considerations. Should I Buy a House and is it a buyer’s or seller’s market? Is your employment secure and can you afford it ? Do you have the time and desire to keep a home in good repair?
A home mortgage is the biggest investment you will be making, therefore treat it in a serious, pragmatic manner and be conservative. First you need to figure out how large of a loan you can qualify for. You need enough money for the down payment which can range from 10% to 20% of the purchase price, then you will need a credit score of at least 660 and have had two years of steady employment. Normally your house payment can’t be more than 20% of your income. In other words, if you make $5,000.00 per month, your payment can’t be more than $1,000.00. Some mortgage companies will allow a partial amount on a dual income.
