Top 10 Concerns for homebuyers and Sellers

Top 10 Concerns for Homebuyers and Sellers

When buying or sell­ing a home, people are often sur­prised to find how appropriate that old maxim "The more things change, the more they remain the same" can be. That's because no matter the age, style, size or loca­tion of a house, there are common problems that are likely to turn up during a home inspection.

Knowing what these potential defects are, and preparing to deal with them, is key to making the most of the buying experience. Here is my top 10 most common list:

1. Structural damage: As the foundation settles, it can knock doorways, walls and support beams out of alignment. The end result could make the entire house a safety hazard.
2. Leaky roof: Roofs may leak due to poor construction or aging materials. The question is, will the subsequent repairs be minor (replacing shingles) or major (replacing the entire roof)?
3. Faulty wiring: Older homes often need electrical upgrades, espe­cially if you plan on installing a lot of electronic equipment (computers, exercise machines) or a pool or hot tub. When electrical circuits are not overloaded, the risk of fire is reduced.
4. Defective heating system: If it's an older system, it can pay to upgrade to one that uses less energy and is more efficient. If you've got gas or oil heat, a carbon monoxide detector is advisable.
5. Poor drainage: If the prop­erty is not properly graded, water may not run away from the house. In addition, gutters and down­spouts should be checked and replaced if necessary.
6. Plumbing problems: Older homes may have faulty pipes made of polybutylene -- popular in the 1970s till the mid-1990s-which are prone to leakage and should probably be replaced with newer, more reli­able materials.
7. Poor ventilation: Check the bathrooms. Without sufficient ventilation, moisture may have built up, potentially causing struc­tural damage inside the walls.
8. Water seepage: If water's coming in, be sure to add caulk and/or weather stripping to your shopping list. Water leaks can lead to mold,> mildew and dry rot.
9. Improper maintenance: Any did-it-themselves, nonprofes­sional repairs could be a source of aggravation down the line.
10. Hazardous materials:  Older homes may contain lead-­based paint, asbestos, carbon monoxide, radon gas or toxic molds. Any of these could eventu­ally cause serious health problems.