Buyers Beware

Things to look for when walking through your potential home.

I will always recommend my clients get a home inspection, but checking on some major things could save you time and possibly money in the end.

If you know there are things that you are not wanting, having to replace, or work on right away in your new home checking into them in your walk through can save you the time of putting in an offer and paying for an inspection that you're not happy with.

I also suggest communicating your list of un-wants with your realtor. They can help you detect these things and look for them when sending you homes.

Below is a list of all things I am checking and noting for my clients even if they are not on their list. I make it a part of my job to make sure clients are aware of all the bigger expenses that may need to be tended to, it's not fun moving into your home or getting to the inspection and finding you may have to spend unexpected money on fixes.

If you have questions about real estate or buying, feel free to text or call :) 320-226-8117.

#1 - Windows

In every home I bring clients through, I am checking the windows. In older homes sometimes they have been painted shut or rusted and won't stay up.

Windows can be a bigger expense replacement for clients.

Be careful when opening windows as not to break them, if it's hard to open observing it can usually tell you why.

#2 - Furnace

Most furnaces have a service record labeled on them. They typically list the times it's been serviced, and the date installed.

The avg cost of replacing your furnace is between $4,000 - $8,000, this is something you can take into account when placing your offer as well the life expectancy being 15-30 years.

If you see baseboards and vents, check to see if the entire house has been converted to central. You can also check baseboards to see if they are working or turn on a window AC unit briefly to see if it works.

"To give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity"

#3 - Large Cracks

Cracks are not always a bad thing but large cracks on the outside, basement, or upstairs walls/ceilings are something worth mentioning to your inspector.

They are able to inspect it with a professional eye, and gain attic access to take a deeper look.

#4 - Wet OR Dry Spots

Noticing wet spots or previously wet spots is huge to mention to your realtor and inspector. The realtor can ask the sellers agent if they are aware of water damage, and your inspector can look further into the damage.

Wet or Dry spots can be found on ceilings, by windows, in the garage, bathrooms, and kitchens.

TIP: Some of these items can be found in the property disclosures, including water damage. You can also find information like the age of the roof, if they've done any updates, the type of siding, if there's a well on the property, etc. I highly suggest reading through them before placing your offer!

#5 - Looking INSIDE cabinets

Along with checking the outside of cabinets for large knicks and needed repair like water damage, it is also a good idea to check for water damage under the kitchen and bathroom sinks. It's not uncommon to see rotted wood from pipe leaks, sometimes even above from wet glass ware.

If you don't feel comfortable peeking in others cabinets, ask your realtor! I'm happy to peek through cabinets and see their condition for you.

#6 - Flooring

Something to keep in mind and beware of is the condition of the flooring.

Is the carpet worn down and needing to be replaced soon?

Is there water damage on the floor? Keeping an extra eye by doors and the kitchen sink, where water is most likely to have sat.

#7 - Bathroom Fixtures

When I am walking through houses with clients, I check a couple things when I get to the bathroom. I typically check for rusting in the tub and sinks, how bad is the caulking, does the water run well and shower diverter work, is there signs of water damage.

I would rather be annoying than my client upset because they weren't made aware of things that will someday have to be tended to. I may go overboard sometimes due to my background in property management, but I would rather go overboard for my clients.

#8 - Neighborhood

Check with your realtor to see what school your neighborhood belongs to if you have or plan to have kiddos.

I will also send my clients a crime map of the FM area if they are curious of certain neighborhoods.

#9 - Covenants

If you're planning on building an accessory building, deck, certain fence, or adding a pool. Have your realtor check into the covenants for the home you're interested to make sure you have room to add the additions you want!

#10 - Roofing and siding

If you stand far enough back you can somewhat see the condition of the roof, as well as taking a lap around the house to check the siding for any major damage.

These should also be listed in the property disclosures!

Not everything you find is scary

Things you find in your walk through are things that you can mention to your inspector, who can look further into them with a professional eye.

Home buying is one of the bigger purchases and investments you make in life, keep professionals on your side!