Here is a first time home buyer tip for one of my clients that is interested in buying Novi real estate. Their question was: "What should I be looking for"? As a first time home buyer you can't get let colors, decorations, or current decor outweigh what the house is really like. So look beyond that.
As a Metro Detroit first time home buyer you need to be aware of potential major costs. What will cost you big bucks to fix or update in the long run. There are six major items you should be looking at when buying a home if you are somewhat interested in the home.
They are:
- Roof - how old is the roof. A roof can last from 15 to 25 years. So ideally you would like to get a roof that is less that 10 years old. Depending on the size of a house. A roof can range from $4000 - $12,000.
- Basement walls - You are looking for a basement that doesn't leak. If there are issues with the foundation it can be very costly. A good home inspector will be able to point out major issues.
- Furnace - a furnace can last 20 to 25 years.(sometimes even longer) Depending on the size of the furnace and who puts it in the cost will start about $3500 and up.
- Windows - good replacement windows are always a plus. Unless they are good Pella, or Marvin wood windows you need to have double pane windows that are less than 10 years old. Again windows for a small bungalow or ranch home can start at $3500 and I have heard quotes at high as $50,000 for wood windows in a 3500 square foot house.
- Updated kitchen - If you don't like the kitchen and it's from the 1960's it can be costly. Even for a small ranch you can end up paying a contractor $8000-$10,000. Bigger home kitchens can cost up to $50,000 and more.
- Updated bathrooms - If you redo the tile, vanity, light, and mirror in a bathroom the costs can add up fast. I just redid my master bath. By the time I was thru I think I had about $2500 into it and I did some of the work myself. I did take it down to the studs. So it was an extensive bath room remodeling.
So whether you are a Novi first time home buyer or have bought a few homes these 6 items you should be looking at. This will save you money in the long run if you can find a home with the majority of the items that are newer or have been updated.
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