17 Things Buyers Should Check On Final Walk-Through
17 Things Buyers Should Check On Final Walk-Through The house is almost yours! It can be tempting to spend the time set aside for the walk-through mentally planning where you'll place your furniture — but there are some things you should make time to check. Sellers should have removed all their belongings Utilities should be operating Trash or debris should not be present The home should be clean Negotiated repairs should be finished Lights and outlets should be in good working order; bring a charger to test outlets Water should run freely, with no under-sink leaks Appliances should be working appropriately Included items should be present Toilets should flush with no issues Ceilings, walls, and floors should be free of stains, cracks, mold, and holes The garbage disposal and fans should be operational Windows and doors should open and close HVAC systems should be working Landscaping should be maintained The home should be free of moving damage The doorbell should ring
Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make
The 5 Biggest Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make Buying a home is always an anxiety-ridden process, and that goes triple for first-time buyers. Be wary of falling into a few common traps: Mistake No. 1: Not understanding down payment options Do you really need to put 20% down? Not necessarily; there are low- and no-down-payment loans that will let you get your foot in the homeownership door a lot sooner. Mistake No. 2: Not getting preapproved It pays to figure out what you can actually afford -- and that means getting preapproved for a home loan. (Prequalification isn’t enough.) Mistake No. 3: Not finding a qualified agent You may wonder why a real estate agent is even necessary. But in areas with red-hot markets, you’re not seeing the most updated listings, and you’re missing out on expertise around where to look. Mistake No. 4: Not spending the night (in the neighborhood) See if you can find an Airbnb where you can crash for a night or two — preferably closer to a week — so you can try your new neighborhood on for size. Mistake No. 5: Not understanding what’s fixable Drop panels in the ceiling and that miniscule bathtub — ugh! Are those annoyances that can be fixed or deal-breakers that mean you should pass on the property entirely? In markets where entry-level homes are getting snatched up as soon as they hit the market, knowing what’s acceptable and what you just can’t take is a huge advantage. None of these mistakes will keep you from buying a home of your own — but they could delay the process and cost you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars at the end of the day. But if you’re able to avoid them, you’ll be signing the closing papers on your dream home before you know it!
What a Home Inspection Involves
39 Things a Home Inspector Checks What does a home inspection involve? There are dozens of features that a home inspector will examine to ensure the home's safety and habitability. Here are some of the things you can expect your inspector to check out. Outside Puddles/standing water: Puddles or standing water could indicate a drainage problem. A shed: Shed walls should be solidly built, and doors must open and shut smoothly. Retaining walls: Leaning retaining walls might show instability in the ground. Fences: Fences should be standing straight. Paths: Buckling or crooked pathways are another indication of draining issues. Deck/patio: Decks and patios must be free of holes and have adequate railings. Trees and shrubs: Trees overhanging your roof or shrubs planted too close to the house might be flags. Roof: The roof should be free from holes; materials should be in decent shape, and vents should be free and clean. Gutters and drainage: Gutters should be secured to the roof, clear from debris, and draining away from the house. Siding: The siding material will get a look for any signs of aging or damage, and to ensure the walls are straight. Inside Basement: Basements and crawl spaces will be inspected for moisture and pests. Foundation: Foundation problems can make or break a sale; the inspector will check for stability and leaks. Mold/mildew: Mold and mildew could mean a leaky foundation. Plumbing or pipes: Any visible damage to your plumbing pipes, or stains around the materials, will be noted in the report. Water heaters: The inspector will note the size of the water heater, note its ventilation and set temperature, and check for any signs of rust. Attic: Inspectors will check for mold and mildew, leakage, and more in the attic. Insulation: The attic is one of the best places to see if insulation is the right type and has been installed correctly. Front door: Crooked door frames or doors that stick can indicate a foundation problem. Windows: Inspectors will make sure windows open and close smoothly. Walls: Leaning or tilted walls could show a structural problem with the house. Ceilings: Water stains on the ceiling mean that water is leaking somewhere in the house. Heat/cooling sources: Is the heat or cooling adequate for this part of the country? Fireplace/chimney: The inspector will check for cracks or damage in the fireplace or chimney. Kitchen Range hood or exhaust fan: Your kitchen needs to be well-ventilated, so inspectors will check for that. Outlets by sink: Any outlets by the kitchen sink must have a ground fault circuit interrupter. Kitchen sink: The kitchen sink should have adequate water pressure, and should be free of any leaks or stains underneath. Appliances: Any built-in appliances will get a once-over to make sure they operate properly and aren’t causing any issues. Cabinets drawers: Cabinets and drawers that don’t open or close smoothly can be another indication that the home’s foundation is shifting. Bathroom Toilets: Not only should toilets operate, but they also need to be secured. Shower: The shower drains and water pressure, tiles and caulking, and flooring will all be examined. Tub: Inspectors will check bathtubs for drainage, any signs of leaks or damage, and water pressure. Garage doors: Do the garage doors open and close properly, and is the garage structurally sound? Electrical Visible wiring: Visible wiring is usually OK, but it has to be secured and protected, with no visible splices. Electrical panel: The electrical panel must be the correct size for the home, and the connections must be in good order. Outlets: Inspectors will note the number of outlets in each room and whether that number is adequate. Light switches: Are all the light switches operational? You can expect your inspector to check. General safety Operational smoke/carbon monoxide detectors: Do the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work? (Yes, the inspector is going to set them off to check!) Level floors: The floors should be level and free of cracks, stains, or signs of damage. Stairs: Stairs should have solid risers and tread, with no loose boards or other issues, and hand railings (if necessary).
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