Look (and smell) closely for evidence of mold. Mold and mold damage are major problems that will cost you a lot to clean and repair. Don’t just look for it — use your nose as well. Mold frequently gives off a musty smell, even when there are no visible signs. Inspect basements and attics. If you can access them, you should be able to look at the attic, crawl spaces and basements areas to see if there is any obvious issues or damage. There should be no cracks in the basement walls, and wood, such as those in exposed beams, should be in good condition with no rot. Look at plumbing. Run taps to ensure they work properly and check the water pressure. Although it is rare, if pipes are still made of lead (an inspector can tell) they will need replacement which would have to be added to the budget. Also, take a look at condition of the hot water heater because a replacement will also be an expense. Check the exterior. You can easily check that a home has been maintained and well-cared for. Check driveways and walkways leading up to the house don’t have cracks and aren’t crumbling. Check that the siding of the home is in good repair. Look at the landscaping on the property to see if there seems to be a lack of care. Your inspector can check the sprinkler system, if there is one.
PROPERTY HISTORY
It’s a good practice to ask your agent for as much detailed information about a property as she has access to. Listing sheets will tell you how long the property has been on the market. Your agent can tell you if the property was previously listed, withdrawn, and/or relisted for a lower price.
If you are keen, you can access online intel from most municipal
38
Powered by FlippingBook