Points To Consider When Looking At A Home To Purchase In The Tri State Area.

Good buyers know that once you're truly interested in purchasing a home an inspection needs to be done by a professional inspector. This important step can keep you from making a big mistake on one of the largest purchases of your life. Yet did you know there are things you can look for before a professional inspection that can clue you into the condition of a home? Listed below are things that home buyers should be on the lookout for when viewing a home for a possible purchase.

Be on the lookout for water damage, leaks, or mold. Look beneath counters and around sinks. Do you see evidence of leaks or of moisture build-up? Are there tiles rotting off walls or dampness under sinks? Look closely in the basement. These spaces are notorious for harboring mold, leaks, and moisture. This is also a great way to inspect joists for rot or termite issues as well as basement walls for damage, which could indicate foundation problems. Don't forget to use your nose. You can smell moisture as soon as you enter some homes.

Next, make your way to the top of the house and view the attic. You can tell a lot about a house by looking at the attic. Is the house properly insulated? If not, what are the average heating and cooling bills? Does the wiring look safely installed? Any evidence of squirrels or other rodents?

Mechanical items to look at are the age and state of the furnace, appliances and water heater. Knowing when you'll need to replace these items can help you negotiate a fair price as comparable sales don't address most of these issues. Also look at the paint or siding if the home is not brick. Will it need replaced or painted soon?

Next walk around the perimeter of the house. You want to be able to see the foundation and look visible cracks and where the landscaping dirt line is to be sure it's not too high on the house, which can cause moisture issues. Trees too close to the home can also cause root issues for both plumbing and foundations.

Last point is to take a good look at the neighborhood and walk around it. What state are the neighboring houses in? Some will have been built in the same period as the home you are considering. How do they look? Are people taking care of their yards? Is the neighborhood noisy or quiet?

Of course the tips above are no substitute for a professional inspection, yet they can give you some real clues as to whether this home is what you're looking for.