maintained? Drainage maintenance is commonly overlooked by home owners. It is a relatively simple and inexpensive task, but the erosion happens slowly, over time and doesn't always draw the attention it should. Poor drainage can be the cause costly damage to a homes foundation, driveway or sidewalks. The ground should slope away from the foundation, not toward it. Driveways and walkways leading up to the house showing cracks may be due to poor drainage. Don't over look the sprinkler system, if there is one, it should be in proper working condition. If there is a deck, a pest expert will identify any decay or damage from termites or other insects.
PROPERTY HISTORY
It is a good practice to know all that you can about the sales history of the property you have under consideration. Your agent can provide more detailed info. They can tell you how long the property has been on the market and if it was previously listed, withdrawn, and relisted for a lower price. This kind of information can help you decide how much to offer. You can also find detailed information on the property, most of which will be available from public records. A bit of research will often disclose the name of the owner, original age of the home, mortgage history, parcel number, previous sales of the property, property deeds, and any judgments or liens filed against the seller. Information about how much the property taxes are and whether they are paid or in arrears will also be available in the records. Do not skip this search, because it reveals important information about the property you are interested in and could save you
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