Buying a house is not just a huge milestone but also a huge commitment. Wouldn’t it be frustrating to find costly repairs waiting for you a few months after you’ve settled into your new home?
Alexis Nickley of The Nickley Group, Orlando’s leading realtor agency, shares insider knowledge on what to look for when you’re viewing a home. These tips ensure that you get the bang for your buck when purchasing a home.
Click Here to Watch Alexis’ Video.
Tip #1: Location! Location! Location!
In real estate, location is the first thing you would want to look at. Drive around the area either before you look at the home or after viewing it.
If you drive to work, ensure that there’s not much traffic, especially during rush hour. If there’s a school zone that you prefer, ensure that the home you’re eyeing is in that zone. You can customize a house all you want, but you can’t really pick it up and move it someplace else.
“So make sure when you’re going to view the home that those important items that you want nearby are in fact nearby.”
Tip #2: Check the Roof
While walking through the property, don’t forget to look up and check for water stains. Water stains all over the roof are a clear indicator that there is a leak. A roof repair can be anywhere around $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the quote you get from a contractor.
“And you want to make sure that you’ve got a good roof because that is going to be an expensive repair after closing.”
Tip #3: Check the Age of AC Unit
When checking out a property, remember to check the AC unit as well. Older AC units tend to be less effective in cooling a home compared to newer models.
They usually have a sticker that will tell you its age. However, if there isn’t one, you can always ask your realtor about it.
“...it says that it’s 72, but it feels like it’s 90. That tells you there may be something going on with the AC.”
Tip #4: Is the Property on Septic?
The reason for checking if the house is on septic is that you have to get a septic inspection. That can be a common thing to overlook for homebuyers. Then, they go through unnecessary stress and trouble because they didn’t know that an inspection had to be done.
“A septic inspection is different from your regular home inspection. You actually have to go through a septic company in order to get that inspection done”
Tip #5: Check the Pool
If the property you’re looking at has a pool, you should include the pool in your list of items to check. Check if the pool has rust at the bottom. This means that the pool may need to be resurfaced. And that’s another costly repair you’ll have to handle.
“When I say expensive items, by the way, I’m talking about a couple $1,000… and some of these items are way more than a couple $1,000… but that’s the reason I want to make sure to bring up these items because they are typically the higher-priced items.”
Tip #6: Consult With the Inspector
Inspectors are going to answer your questions and address your concerns. If you have something on the property that you want to have checked, they’ll suggest what needs to be done.
“It just helps for you to let the inspector know your concerns ahead of time. That way, they can help you and educate you through the process.”
To Wrap Things Up
Finding a suitable home can require a lot of effort. There are several essential items to consider so you can settle into your new home with no worries and surprise expenses. If you’re on the lookout for a property, The Nickley Group can help you find your dream home. Call us at 407.906.2456 or drop by our office at 1013 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32803 to get started.
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