In my experience I have never found a flawless home. Below is a short list of physical problems I recommend buyers to look out for in any home.
- Water leaks. Look for stains on ceilings and near the baseboards, especially in basements and attics.
- Shifting foundations. Look for large cracks along the home's foundation.
- Drainage. Look for standing water, either around the foundation of the home or in the yard.
- Termites. Look for weakened or grooved wood, especially near ground level.
- Worn roofs. Look for broken or missing copings and buckled shingles, as well as water spots on ceilings.
- Inadequate wiring. Look for antiquated fuse boxes, extension cords (possibly indicating insufficient outlets), and outlets without a place to plug in the grounding prong.
- Plumbing problems: Very low water pressure, banging in pipes.
Most importantly, hire professionals to evaluate the property and represent you while making an offer. A licensed home inspector can effectively find the above problems and possible others, and a licensed real estate broker can negotiate with the seller to repair these expensive items. Otherwise, you could be inheriting these expenses yourself.
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