It can be very exciting to shop for a new home, but it can be stressful and troubling at the same time. There are lots of things you’ll have to worry about and stay on top of, but the end reward is something that you can be certain to love. Still, there are lots of pitfalls that you’ll have to avoid, so keep the following five things in mind as you begin the process of hunting for that perfect home in your new preferred location.
Outside First
The first part of a home that you should look at, when you are considering a purchase, is the outside of the home. There is a lot that can be told by the outside of your house, including the possibility of any moisture problems that may have occurred in the past or are occurring now. Check for cracks in the walls, or the siding, and look closely at the foundation of the home. Both of these things can tell you if the house is settling, or if there might be any costly foundation issues coming down the road. Sometimes, you can even tell if there are bug problems, such as termites, by looking at the outside of the home closely. And don’t forget to look at the lawn as well. Chances are if the homeowner took good care of the lawn, they probably took good care of the inside of the home as well.
Bathrooms
Because there is so much water involved in a bathroom, checking this room of the house carefully can save you time, money, and trouble down the road. Make sure to look around the toilet and tub, as well as the sink, to see if there are any water stains. Stains can be a sign that there either is a leak now or once was in the past. And while this might not be a reason to walk away from a home, it’s a good reason to ask questions about how it was fixed and who fixed it, all while allowing your inspector know that it is a specific concern of yours going into things.
Floors and Ceilings
The floors of the home, as well as the ceilings, are also an important thing to check when you are considering purchasing a new home. If you notice any discoloration or staining anywhere in the home, you might be facing a potentially large problem. Once again, ask questions, especially if it looks like the current owners might have painted over the spot hoping that potential buyers wouldnt see it. If there is a leak in the floor, or ceiling, you might face costly repairs down the road. Avoid this by knowing what to look for and pointing these spots out to your home inspector, who can tell you more.
Under the Carpet
If you are looking into a home that currently has to carpet, it’s a good idea to try to take a look under the carpeting. Often times, the true condition of the flooring is hidden by the fact that there is carpet on the floor. While you might like the idea of having to carpet in your home, making a purchase and then finding out the floor beneath the carpet is rotting or in poor condition can only cause heartache down the road. Ask questions about the carpet, when it was placed, and how old it might be, and then try to get a peak under the carpet in a location that is heavily used to see the true condition of the floors beneath it.
Space and Storage
While it might seem a little bit silly, having enough storage space is very important when you are looking into purchasing a home. Dont settle for less and think that you can make your own and get by. Ultimately, youll be unhappy with the home and the clutter that youll accumulate. Instead, take a look at the closes in the home and envision your household goods in there. If you can see everything in a place of its own, then you might have found a winner.
Regardless of what you might be looking at in a home, be sure that you find the right real estate agent for the job. This might be difficult with all of the choices that you have available to you today, but it will really pay off when you have the help you need to avoid trouble and find the home of your dreams where you will only be surprised by good things.
About the Author: Alyssa Sullivan, a consultant for moving companies, knows that finding the perfect home can be difficult. Thats, why she strives to help consumers across the country know what to look for in their next home so that they dont, run into problems later on. Learn more on her blog today.
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