Random Things To Look Out For Before Buying A New Home (11 items)

• (#1) Make Sure The Home Has A Solid Foundation

  Foundation problems are hard to fix, they decrease the value of the home, and they get progressively worse over time. You can tell if a home has foundation problems if there are uneven floors, cracks in the walls, or doors that stick in place or swing unnecessarily.

  The foundation of a home helps maintain its structural integrity. Loaning institutions generally don't close on homes with poor foundations, and repairs can be expensive. It's better to avoid the hassle than deal with it as a new owner. If the foundation has recently been addressed, however, the structure is likely stronger than ever.
• (#2) Visit The Neighborhood At Different Times

  House hunting sites like Trulia help you find the neighborhood you will be most comfortable committing to. Sites like this allow you to read local reviews, check out what the schools are like, compare crime rates, and note what the nearest entertainment hub offers. 

  A few things to consider when checking out a neighborhood are how your noise habits compare to those around you, whether you prefer to walk or drive, what the public transportation options are, whether there are any nearby parks, and what the local demographics are. Is it mostly families, college students, couples, etc?

  In addition to the online support, take walks at different times throughout the day and make sure you feel comfortable before making a decision.
• (#3) Check The Roof

  Ask the seller how old the roof is and if the gutter and drainage systems are in order. You can hire a professional roof inspector or search for yourself, but make sure there is no sagging, no mold or rot, and no significant structural flaws. The older the roof, the more likely it will need to be replaced in the coming years; but if everything else is in order, you probably won't have to worry about it until you're ready.

  The cost to repair a damaged room can become pricey and take time. Moving into a new home is already a major life change, and you don't want to deal with a roof replacement right away.
• (#4) Feel Out The Temperature Of Each Room

  The temperature of a home can seriously impact your comfort - and your utility bill. Check the temperature of each room, check if each room is properly insulated, and figure out what kind of thermostat the home has in place. You don't want to be running up your bill during the winter months or having to sleep on top of your covers in the summer. 

  Also make sure to ask about the fireplace, what kind it is, and how it will affect heating in the rest of the home.
• (#5) Double-Check That The Plumbing Is Up To Snuff

  You can inspect a home's plumbing by checking the main sewer line, the water heater, and the toilets. Check the sewer line for any deterioration or damage - anything that might cause a clog. Ask how old the water heater is - they usually last up to 10 years - and make sure it is not located anywhere it could cause damage to drywall, carpet, or hardwood floors in the event of a leak. Notice any unwanted draining from the base of the toilet by looking for discoloration, malleable or soft flooring, or if the toilet bowl moves around at all. (It should not.)

  Call a professional plumber to check out any suspicions you have to avoid causing further damage or missing any important signs.
• (#6) Take Time To Literally Smell The Place

  One of the worst-case scenarios when buying a new home is finding out that smell doesn't go away. Look out for any fishy scents in every room, like smoke of any kind - smokey smells often linger - pet odors, mold and must, bleach, chemicals, or even an overwhelming sense that someone is covering up a home's natural musk with candles, plugins, and other products.
• (#7) Test Every Nozzle, Switch, And Window

  Check out the insulation integrity of every window as well as whether or not that window functions as it's supposed to. Does it lock? Does it open and close all the way? Is there a screen? Also make sure to test every nozzle for efficient water flow and potential leakage.

  Finally, flip every light switch in the home. Electrical issues can be a pain to address, and if there are any problems, the source is simple enough to sort out. Once you've ruled out any malfunctions with the breaker, turn it off and remove every light switch cover. Use a continuity tester, found at most hardware stores, to locate the origin of your trouble.
• (#8) Get A Professional Home Inspection Done

  Home inspections provide you with a detailed outline of what to expect from the home you're about to purchase. They also act as a negotiation tool if you find any additional costs left unaddressed by the seller. Most inspectors cost between $300 and $500 and can be found via online tools that offer personal recommendations. 

  Make sure you know ahead of time what the inspector will and will not check for. You will want to be present for the inspection so you don't miss anything. Most inspectors will look at the structure's foundation, lot, roof, exterior, attic, basement, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling system, and appliances, as well as checking the odor and looking for interior evidence of leaks.

  Make sure to ask the seller for a full disclosure statement prior to the inspection so you're aware of any unpermitted work by the owner by the time you've made your offer.
• (#9) Check If The Home Is Prepared For Natural Disasters

  Regardless of where you end up, you should be aware of what natural disasters are most likely to hit your home. Whether it's earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, or otherwise, most structures are built with shelters, a basement, or shutters. Before you buy your home, know where you might be in the case of an uncontrolled (and unpredictable) event, and know how to react in such a situation. Once you have purchased a home, ask about coverage regarding floods or other weather anomalies.
• (#10) Know Your Deal Breakers

  Before you purchase any property, know what your deal breakers are. Though roofing can be fixed, are you open to the process of reconstruction? Has the owner made any upgrades that don't seem stable or throw off your personal tastes? Can you deal with living downwind of a sewage treatment plant for an extended period of time? How much maintenance are you willing to put into the home? Is it pet friendly? 

  Know your personal tastes and establish in advance what you're willing to compromise on - and what you're not.
• (#11) Ask The Seller Every Question You Have

  Traditional questions to ask the seller include: How did the seller establish the offering price? What is the overall condition of the home? What is the neighborhood like? How much did the seller pay for the home? How much does the seller owe on the home? How does the price of this home compare to similar structures in the neighborhood? How many offers has the seller received? What schools are in the area? How old is the roof? Have any appliance systems been replaced? Etc. 

  Do not be afraid to ask the important questions and be exhaustive in your research. Know your personal kinks, as well as the traditional circumstances surrounding the property.

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