Buying a home will probably be one of the largest purchases that you will make, and although it may be a daunting experience you could actually gain financially over time as a result. Think about it..... all the money that you are placing in rent, could be paying your mortgage and many times your mortgage is LESS! So if you are in a position to buy...then you may want to consider buying.
If you are looking to buy that perfect family home, while the layout and aroma may be awesome, keep an eye out for pitfalls that could cause you big regrets.
As you walk through the home, be sure to check everything. Remember this is one of your largest purchases. Try to pay close attention to areas of concern; some of which are listed below.
Exterior:
Roof
Age of the Roof _______
Are there any signs of leaking? _______
Are shingles missing? _______
Will I have to replace the roof? _______
Siding/ Garage
Are there cracks in the siding or missing areas? _______
Will it have to be replaced? _______
Does the garage doors work? _______
Foundation:
Are there any cracks or questionable areas in foundation? _______
Is there any areas that are holding moisture? _______
Sidewalks / Driveway:
Is the sidewalks and driveway in good condition?
(small cracks are usually not of concern)
Yard:
Are there any areas of concern or extremely wet areas near
the foundation? _______
Interior:
Once Inside the home check for :
Musty Odor:
Is there a musty odor when you enter the home?________
(this could indicate leakage from water lines)__________
Is the pipes in good condition? ___________
If there is a basement.... Is it damp and moldy? ________
Check laundry rooms and connection sites is there moisture? ___
Windows/ Doors:
Are the windows in need of repair and sealed well? _______
Is there peeling paint around windows and doors?________
Is there a condensation? __________
Is there stains at the bottom of the doorways? _________
(always check the flooring around doors for darker areas...could have water leaking in from outside)
Flooring
Is the flooring well maintained or in need of repair? _______
(lift up area rugs to view underneath them as they could be hiding problem areas)
Are there wet spots in flooring? _________
Appliances:
Are the appliances in working condition? _______
(does the home include appliances)
Blinds/ Drapes:
Are the blinds/ drapes included? _______
Walls/ Ceiling:
Are there any cracks in the walls? _______
Stains on the ceilings (could be leaking) _______
Mold:
Is there mold under sinks / bathrooms?________
Is there dark circles or black spots on Ceilings? _____
Is there black spots on walls, etc. __________
Heating / Air:
Is the heating/ air in working condition? _______
What type of heating / air is in the home? _______
Have the filters been regularly changed? _______
When looking at buying a home, although it is not required, it is always
advisable to hire a professional home inspector to check for any hazards or structural defects.