eventually cause water damage. It is particularly important from a health perspective to ascertain that the pipes are not made of or lined with lead. If they are, you will have to replace them, no matter the expense. Also, check the age and condition of the hot water heater — important both for your convenience and your safety. • Is the exterior of the home in good shape and well- maintained? Check for evidence of water around the foundation, which may indicate drainage issues. The ground should slope away from the foundation, not toward it. If there is a porch, it should have a foundation as well and not simply sit on soil. Check that driveways and walkways leading up to the house do not have cracks and are not crumbling. Check that the siding of the home is in good repair. Look at the landscaping on the property. It should not be unkempt and unsightly, as that can indicate a lack of care. The sprinkler system, if there is one, should be in proper working condition. If there is a deck, ensure there is no decay or damage from termite or beetles.
PROPERTY HISTORY
It is a good practice to know all that you can about the sales history of the property you have under consideration. Do not simply settle for the information contained in the customer copy of listings. Ask your agent for more detailed info. Find answers to how long the property has been on the market and if it was previously listed, withdrawn, and relisted for a lower price. These kinds of questions can help you decide how much to offer. You also need detailed information on the property, most of which will be available from public records. A bit of research online in the records will disclose the name of the owner, original age of
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