With so many Foreclosures in and around Orange County, Sullivan County, and Ulster County NY it is important for buyers to proceed with caution.  Even if a property says "As Is" a good home inspection will allow you to decide whether the house is worth the risk.  Sometimes a lower price brings a higher cost in repairs later on.  This third post in the series of articles will provide people interested in Bank Owned Homes some idea of what surprises might be found in the mechanical systems of the house.  Thanks to Michael Thornton for his expertise:

 

Via Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.):

In Part I of the series Inspecting Foreclosures, I talked about the importance of conducting the inspection and in Part II of Inspecting Foreclosures, I touched on the subject of lack of maintenance.

inspecting bank owned propertiesMechanical issues surrounding the heating and cooling systems, water heaters and kitchen appliances are a huge concern for many potential buyers. If the property is less than 12 years old, one can generally make the assumption that the major appliances will be about that same age. The home inspector will take a look at the serial numbers and guesstimate the age of the units based on the manufacturers data. Generally speaking, most kitchen appliances and HVAC systems are at or are approaching the end of their service lives when they reach 12 years. Professional servicing and budgeting for age related replacement is a must. Generally speaking, replacement of these systems will cost anywhere from $1500 - $2500 per ton of unit.

inspecting bank owned propertiesWater heaters have a very short 6-8 year life expectancy. Most manufacurers will have a warranty of 6 or 8 years on the glass lining. When the water heater has surpassed that time limit, the water heater is living on borrowed time. Another issue with water heaters I find is rust or bacteria build-up. 

When a water heater has been setting unused for some time, bacteria can build up in the pressure vessle giving that "rotten egg" odor when you open the hot water tap. Rust from the tank can leech into the storage area due to deterioration of the glass lining. If either of these issues are present, a new water heater is in order. Depending upon the manufacturer, size and type these can run from $600 to $1500 to replace.

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com

Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy!

House Search

 

Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley

Paddy Pizappi, Associate Broker for Buyer Representation
 RJ Smith Realty - A Real Estate Solutions Company
Serving the Greater Hudson Valley of New York
from Pine Bush, NY at the corner of Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties
Call or Text to 845-800-7086

Get Started With Your Own Rainmaker Blog Today Click Here To Ask Me How

Subscribe to Hudson Valley Happenings With Paddy Pizappi via RSS feed 

 
This post has been included in New York Real Estate News Orange County, NY Real Estate News Montgomery, NY Real Estate News
Post is included in group: Blogs Happen...
Post is included in group: Club Chaos
Post is included in group: Hudson Valley Real Estate and Mortgage Professionals
Post is included in group: Square Pegs
Post is included in group: "Whacked"!!!

2 Comments on Inspecting Foreclosures - Part III - Mechanical Issues

AUG
27
2009
1,242,529 Points 158 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Paddy, Thanks for the re-blogs on my series. I see so many folks go into purchasing these with blinders on.  I'm just trying to raise the awareness...

Helping you live your American dream...
5:45am • #1
324,296 Points 32 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Your are doing an awesome job with this series Michael.  I hope many consumers find these helpful.
5:51am • #2

Login or register to leave a comment
 
Me Ambassador_large

Paddy Pizappi PineBush & Hudson Valley NY Real Estate

Pine Bush, NY

More about me…

RJ Smith Realty Real Estate Solutions

Address: 55 Main St, PO Box 668, Pine Bush, NY, 12566

Office Phone: (845) 744-2095 x 326

Cell Phone: (845) 800-7086

Email Me

My blog will deal with working with buyers, my life as a mother of 3 teenagers and how to fit real estate into the other aspects of my world. I will also speak on volunteer efforts to assist my community

Twitter Updates

    follow me on Twitter
    Clicky Web Analytics

    Clicky



    Listings

    Links

    Archives

    RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog