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Home Buying – Home Inspection Basics

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with BoiseRealEstateInfo

Below are some key areas to consider when purchasing a new home.  When having a home inspected make sure it is done by a professional and pay extra attention to the following areas:

· Fireplace/Chimney and Flue.  Be sure all are safe, working, and clean.

· Furnace and Air Conditioner.  How old are they?  Run them and have them inspected to make sure they are operating properly.  Have they been routinely serviced?

· Windows and Doors.  Do all window and doors close properly and tightly?  Do the doors hang at the right angle or do some sag?

· Plumbing.  Are the faucets and drains working properly?  Check for leaks under sinks and garage or anywhere pipes are.

· Electrical. Have all circuits and outlets checked.

· Roof. How old is the roof? Does it need any repairs? Look at the home's ceiling for signs of water leakage.

• Foundation.  Check for cracks in the foundation, this may indicate a foundation shift or leakage into the basement.  Is there termite or pest damage?

Chances are there will be things that need to be addressed, some may need to be fixed before buying the Idaho home while other items may be put off until later.

Rich Ferretti
Rich Ferretti Real Estate - Charlotte, NC
ABR QSC Realtor/Broker, Charlotte NC Real Estate a

Good Post Jason

When did they change the requirement for a flue blocker, I think I said that right. Does it vary from state to state?

Thanks

Rich

Charlotte NC

 

Oct 10, 2008 12:45 PM
Jason Deines
BoiseRealEstateInfo - Boise, ID

Rich, I have never heard of a flue blocker.  What I mean to say is that there are doors that block the flue and need to be opened when the fireplace is in use and you should close them when not in use.  I would imagine that all chimneys would require them, I doubt there is a safety reason, just remember to open it!

Oct 10, 2008 04:03 PM
Will Nesbitt
Nesbitt Realty at Condo Alexandria - Alexandria, VA
Nesbitt Realty is a family-run brokerage.

Any tips for home inspections on a condo?

Oct 11, 2008 02:59 AM
Anonymous
Bruce King, Independent Certified Inspector in Charlotte NC and

Condos need the same inspection process as houses, I include the exterior also but most inspectors disclaim that as the responsibility of the homeowners association. 

If the exterior has a lot of problems it could mean that the association is about bankrupt!  It is highly recommended for the potential buyer to research the association's business by talking to more than just a few people and asking to see financial statements.

Many sellers are wanting out because they know of upcoming assessments that may include big ticket items such as paving, siding, roof replacement or painting, these can cost each owner thousands of dollars!  You are basically going into business with several hundred people when you buy one of these multi-family units.  Be careful.

 

Oct 11, 2008 03:01 PM
#4
Mark Duncan
Olympia, WA

Working in the wet climate of the Pacific Northwest, the most important aspect of a home inspection is it's ability to shed water.  In addition to the roof, the siding is extremely important.  If there is a place for water to penetrate the siding, it's only a matter of time before an expensive repair is needed.

MarkD

Oct 14, 2008 06:45 AM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

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