Things to Look for When Buying a House

When buying a house, it may be tempting to see a place with big bay windows and a giant backyard and fall in love at first sight. However, it is important to look a little closer before signing on the dotted line to make sure your dream isn’t actually a dud. Here are a few things to look out for.

Structural Issues

Look closely at the house foundation to make sure that there are no major warning signs, such as zigzag cracks or the floors not being square with the doors. The integrity of your home depends on a solid foundation and repairing it can add significantly to the final bill if the damage is too far gone.

Roof Repair

Moving from the basement to the ceiling, make sure to have a careful examination of the roof to potentially save you money on repairs and insurance. Make sure to ask questions about when it was last replaced and if it is up to modern standards to be wind and hail resistant.

Extra Costs

Decide what your deal breakers are before house hunting. Are you willing to replace the water heater, but not fork over extra for heating if the insulation isn’t up to snuff in the winter? Is the neighborhood one that often floods? How close are the neighbors? By knowing in advance what bills you would be willing to pay, you can make better choices.

By preparing yourself to say no if a house isn’t just right for you, you can save yourself many headaches (and dollars) in the long run. Be intentional about asking questions and getting a second opinion if necessary. Above all, make sure that this home is both one that you love and that will love you back by not causing issues that could have been avoided.