In a strong seller’s market, buyers often have to compete to get their offer accepted, and it can be tempting to opt to skip or skimp on the inspection in an effort to get your offer noticed. This is a dangerous choice, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. No matter the market, I ALWAYS recommend that my buyers do an inspection to make sure they don’t have a property lemon on their hands!
If you have ever watched an HGTV renovation, you know that houses are not always what they seem. The Property Brothers – one of my favorites, are constantly finding “suprises” in homes people have recently purchased. Sellers are required to disclose material defects in a home, but keep in mind, they can’t disclose what they don’t know about, so we can’t rely on the seller to give us all the information we need. Now, there are some things you just won’t be able to see unless you bust out a sledge hammer – and that is obviously discouraged during the purchase process….. but there are a LOT of issues that can be spotted before disaster strikes.
It’s cute. It’s charming. It is at a great price. You’re just about ready to commit. But something just doesn’t feel quite right. Today we are going to talk about listening to your gut, and the logical ways you can examine a home to determine if that feeling you’re getting is actually legit.
There are a few big things to look for when it comes to a home. Things like…
- Cracks in the foundation or crack in the corners of rooms
- Erosion in the yard
- Bad smells
- Rotting or rusting anywhere
- Standing water where it shouldn’t be
- Mold or water damage on ceilings
These big items are definite deal breakers, and are pretty easy to spot, but there are also some smaller items to be aware of when trying to determine if the house is a safe bet, or a money pit in the making. A good inspector can help you pinpoint these issues:
#1 Electrical Work – Electrical is a big deal. Especially in older homes. Flickering lights or switches that don’t work are a red flag that there might be more work to be done.
#2 Leaky Faucets – If water systems aren’t working well it could mean multiple things. Have your inspector check the sinks, tubs, toilets and showers for leaky faucets or rusted drains. Also check outside to see if there is any flooding, as it could mean bigger issues like a sump pump or backwater flow problem. Even low water pressure could indicate a bigger issue. So check everything!
#3 Mold – This is a big (and expensive) problem and can be very dangerous health-wise. Have your inspector look around carefully to see if anything comes up.
#4 Asbestos – Asbestos is often found in popcorn ceiling, insulation, and even drywall in older homes. It CAN be a serious health concern, especially if you are planning any renovations, since disturbing it puts microscopic fibers into the air that can get into your lungs and cause serious issues. If you’re purchasing an older home, be sure to get an asbestos test so that you can be aware.
#5 Sewer Line Issues – If you have ever had a sewer back up into your home, you know just how terrible and expensive this can be! ALWAYS get your sewer line inspected before purchasing a home to make sure the line is running free and clear. An inspection on a sewer line costs only about $150-$200 and is well worth the cost if it saves you thousands of dollars down the road. Repairing an old or damaged sewer line can cost $1,000 – $10,000…sometimes more, so this is something that you want to know and negotiate with the seller on before purchasing the property.
As a Realtor®, I will work alongside you, and a trusted inspector to spot these potential hazards by knowing what to look for and what should be inspected sooner rather than later. I always encourage my buyers to speak directly to the inspector before making any decisions to move forward in the purchase. After renovating and flipping homes for the past 20 years, I’ve learned a thing or two about what can be hidden in a home, and I use that knowledge to my client’s benefits to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises down the road.
At this point, purchasing a home may seem downright scary, and you may be thinking that every home has something wrong with it! You may be seeing lemons in your sleep, but take a breath and relax – I’m here to help. If you’re thinking about making a move, I can help you through the process. Just contact me or text me at 406-697-4294. No pressure, no sales tactics, just the help and guidance that you need!
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