TIPS FOR HOME BUYERS |TIPS FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTORS
Prior to submitting an offer on a home the buyer should do a thorough preliminary inspection.
- Assess the slope/ grading to ascertain the potential for current and future water intrusion.
- Check the roof for missing / loose shingles and wavy sheathing.
- Run the water to check pressure and look for leaks.
- Turn on all lights and look for loose wires.
- Pull the furnace filter out to see if it is changed regularly. A dirty filter may indicate lack of care and will cause the system to work harder. This will shorten the life of the system.
- Are the windows and doors in good condition? Do you see clouding in the windows, which indicates a broken seal?
- Are the floors in good condition? Are they sloped or cracked? Sloped floors are an indication of significant settling.
- Open and shut interior and exterior doors. If there is resistance, it's likely that the door frames are not square. This is an indication of significant settling.
- Look for signs of moisture in ceilings, floors and the exterior walls on the inside of the home.
- Look for moss. Moss is a sign of sitting water. Moss along the foundation will indicate that there is prolonged moisture and likely cracks in the foundation at this location.
Whether you are a new home buyer or an experienced real estate investor, having a thorough home inspection is a prudent decision.