what fits your budget and priorities. Focus on homes that meet your must-haves and some of your wants. The tricky part? Pay close attention to each property’s condition and details like water, sewage, utilities, and internet access—all of which affect livability and value. Prior to signing a contract hire a certified home inspector who will evaluate the following according to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI): 1. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) 2. Interior plumbing and electrical systems 3. Roof and rain gutters 4. Attic, including visible insulation 5. Walls 6. Ceilings 7. Floors 8. Windows and doors 9. Foundation 10. Basement 11. Structural components The inspector isn’t going to tear the home apart to inspect piping and wiring. But the more exterior and interior parts of the home an inspector can access, the more complete the final report will be.
STEP 9: MAKE AN OFFER
Once you’ve found the right home—within budget, in the right location, meeting your needs, and fully inspected—it’s time to make an offer. This means proposing a purchase price, which could be above, below, or at the asking price, depending on market conditions. Verbal agreements don’t count; a formal offer requires legal documentation, like a Residential Purchase
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