Seven Things You Must Know About a House Before Buying It
If you are in the market to purchase a house, there is a lot to know. Here are seven primary aspects of a house that could be critical.
The Age of the Roof
Depending on the climate, a standard asphalt roof can last from 10 to 30 years. If the roof is at the halfway point or more of that timeline, you’ll probably want to budget for a new one in the not-too-distant future.
Does the Area Flood Easily?
You may want to talk with neighbors to see if the street floods easily or even if the house is in a flood zone. Keep in mind that flooding is not covered under a basic home insurance policy.
Are There Zoning Plans for Developments?
You don’t want to be surprised by a large shopping outlet mall or prison being built nearby in the coming years. Perform due diligence to see what, if any, developments are in the works for the coming years.
Age and Condition of the HVAC System
Your heating and cooling system can be expensive to replace and even expensive to operate. HVAC systems older than 15 years may not be as efficient as they could be.
What Do Neighbors Like and Dislike About the Neighborhood?
You can find out quite a bit about an area with a few quick chats with neighbors. You will likely quickly get a sense of whether it is the neighborhood for you.
Are There Any Issues with the Foundation?
Look for cracks in outside bricks, concrete walkways, around drain pipes, and in basement walls. Foundations can be costly to fix. You want to make sure they are solid.
Does the House Have a History?
In many states, real estate agents are required to reveal certain aspects of a home if asked. This can include if a murder or other death has occurred on the property. It is worth asking.
You will also want to make sure the home is electrically sound and the plumbing has no major issues. Your home’s age and condition could impact your house insurance price. Contact us for a no-cost, no-obligation quote from one of our independent insurance agents today.
