Aug 7, 2013 | Home Buyer Tips
If you’re looking to purchase real estate, keep in mind that the homes you are considering might be in need of repairs or improvements.
In a recent study done by a major home inspection company, at least 40 percent of previously owned homes on the market have at least one serious issue or defect.
When buying real estate, you should have a professional inspection performed on the property to look for any issues that might not be visible to the untrained eye.
It’s better to identify this damage before you buy so that you are not stuck with budget-busting renovations.
Below are a few major red flags you should look for when buying a home.
Foundation Damage
Look at the slope of the yard. If the land slopes towards the house, this could be causing water to run down into the foundation, which will result in moisture damage. Take a look at the foundation for any bulges or cracks that could indicate serious issues.
Faulty Wiring
Your home inspector should be sure to check the electrical wiring — especially if it is an older house. If there are any flickering lights, circuits that don’t work, or warm outlets, these are telltale signs of wiring issues that might be expensive to fix.
Ceiling Stains
This is usually a sign that something in the house is leaking. Ceiling stains are common underneath bathrooms when a toilet, shower or bathtub has a leak. A leaky roof could be an even more expensive repair.
When you are negotiating to buy a house and damage is discovered, you can either change your mind about the sale or renegotiate for a lower price that factors in the cost of repairs. Either way, it is always worth having the home professionally inspected to identify red flags and avoid any surprises.
Please call me, your trusted real estate professional for more information about buying your next Worcester County area home.
Jul 30, 2013 | Home Buyer Tips
Imagine how frustrated you’d be to find out that the hot water heater wasn’t working – in the middle of your very first shower in your new home!
This, among other very good reasons, is why you should have a home inspection before you buy your home.
When you buy a home, you need to know exactly what you’re buying.
A home inspection is an important part of buying your home. Before you hire a home inspector, ask candidates a few questions to make sure you hire a trustworthy inspector.
What Does Your Inspection Cover?
Not all inspections are the same. Ask for copies of previous home inspections so you can see exactly what they will check inside the home.
If you are concerned about something specific, like a leaky faucet in the bathroom, mention that to the inspector so they can check it out.
Are You Licensed Or Certified?
If you live in a state that licenses home inspectors, ask to see their license. Most reputable home inspection professionals provide this information right at the start of your home inspection.
At the very least, choose a home inspector who belongs to American Society of Home Inspectors. This shows a level of professionalism and education that you can trust.
What Kind Of Report Will You Give Me?
You should expect a written report detailing what the inspector found. Most inspectors will give you a typed report within a week of the inspection.
Many even take digital color photos of any issues with the home in order to make their report as clear as possible. Make sure the inspector will be available to explain anything on the report that doesn’t make sense to you.
Will I Be Able To Attend The Inspection?
If the inspector refuses to let you be present during the home inspection, find someone else. This is your chance to know exactly what you are buying and what potential repairs you or the seller will have to make.
Please feel free to contact your trusted real estate professional today to answer this and any other question you have on the home buying process.
Jul 23, 2013 | Home Buyer Tips
If you have purchased a new home and are going to move in soon, what are the first few things that you will need to do upon moving into your new home?
Moving can be very stressful, but having a checklist can make your move effortless.
Here are 6 easy steps that can eliminate any frustration and help you feel safe and secure:
Change Your Address
You will need to change your address for all magazine subscriptions, bills and other services. You can update your mailing address online or visit your local post office to find out what needs to be done.
Set Up The Utilities
When you move into a new home, you may get all of the contact information from the previous home owner or real estate agent for the utility companies. Be sure to change the services into your name before you move in, such as gas, cable, electricity, internet, telephone, sewer and water.
Change The Locks
You have no way of knowing who the old home owners gave a copy of the key to, so having the locks changed is something that you should do right away when you move into your new property.
Have The Carpets Cleaned
Get your life in the new house off to a fresh start by having the carpets steam cleaned before you move your furniture in. You could either rent a steam cleaner or pay a carpet cleaning service, but either way this will make the house feel really clean and new.
Figure Out Your Breaker Box
Another important first step to owning your new home is to figure out which breakers control each part of your home.
Knowing how the breaker box works will ensure that you can flip the right switch when you need to. You might need to ask someone to help you by standing in another part of the house and letting you know which lights come on or off when you flick the switches.
Check Your Smoke Alarms
The smoke alarms and CO monitors in your home might not have been checked recently, so make sure that they are functioning properly. Depending on how old they are, you might need to change the batteries. This is an important maintenance task for your own safety.
These are just a few of the important first steps that you should take when you first move into your brand new home.
For more information about buying a new home, feel free to contact your trusted real estate professional today.
