Protecting Your Home Investment
You've finally found that home of your dreams. You love the woodwork. The hardwood floors. The kitchen layout. The basketball court out back. It has that home office you need right now. Whatever your thing is, this house has it!
So now what? You're ready to place an offer but you want to take just one more tour before you do. I speak from my own experience when I say that it's easy to get blinded by the aesthetics of a home and forget that if your dishwasher doesn't work when you move in, it's going to be an issue. Below are some major and minor things to confirm before making the big step and purchasing your home. It will make your home inspection more seamless and help to ensure that there are no surprises when you move in.
Check all the appliances
From the dishwasher to the microwave, to the washer and the dryer. Just because the dishwasher looks new, it does not mean that it was installed correctly or that it is in working order. If you're worried about the age of the appliances and that they may stop working in the near future, a Home Warranty can be purchased to cover any issues within the first year of ownership.
Check the electrical outlets and electrical panel
Does the living room outlet work? Is the bathroom outlet grounded? Is the electrical panel in the basement updated and labeled? You know, so when your hallway light blows a fuse in the middle of the night you know which fuse it is.
Open and close the windows
A window may look perfectly fine from the outside, but the interior mechanisms may be broken preventing proper use of the window on cool fall nights. If you have children this can be especially important because you don't want any injuries from a window that does not stay open correctly.
Check under all the sinks and flush the toilets
Wash your hands. Then open up that bathroom cabinet. Is there water underneath? Flush the toilet. Did it flush? Is the water continuing to run? Most of these items are an easy fix, but finding out for yourself early on is less stressful than finding out later in the process.
Check the basement for any signs of water intrusion
This can be a tough one, and any sort of water issues should always be disclosed on the seller's disclosures. But you may buy a house that was an estate and the family does not know that every time it rains an inch of water lands in the basement. Check for potential water damage on walls and floors, indications of mold or mildew, or the telltale sign of any water issue - a musty smell.
Look for any signs of deferred maintenance
Is the furnace filter filthy? Were the walls last painted in 1998? Did you find mice droppings in the basement? Signs like this can indicate that routine maintenance has been neglected.
Walk around the exterior
How does the roof look to the naked eye? Are there any major cracks in the foundation or siding? Look for peeling paint, rotting wood, cracks, or other signs of decay. This can be especially important if you plan on using an FHA or VA loan to purchase your home.
Regardless of what you find, moving forward with a reputable Home Inspector is always a smart plan once your offer has been accepted.
MLS Listing 5620791/94 Crocus Place, Saint Paul
