It may seem like any home you buy these days is going to be a bargain, but think again: You still need to check everything to make sure you’re not being sold a “lemon.”
Now more than ever you have to review the basics. With all those home makeover shows on TV showing sellers how to spruce up their house with a fresh coat of paint and some fancy rented furniture. There could be serious flaws hidden behind the “oh – Wow!” attractive appearance factor.
Here are some of the basics to check on every home you look at:
To lease -Look for areas that have growth potential (and resale potential). It is better to have the worst house on the best street than the best house on the worst street.
Appearance – A house looking in the right direction has a big advantage. Depending on its location, a home with a south-facing balcony (US, Europe, and Britain) or a north-facing balcony (Australia, New Zealand, Africa, South America) has many advantages, such as lower heating bills lower in winter.
Presentation – don’t be fooled by the presentation – make sure cabinet doors open and drawers open and close easily. Do not stop playing because it could look like a show house.
flexibility – check the flexibility of the housing layout. If the look isn’t perfect, how hard would it be to relocate a couple of rooms to fix it?
Light – make sure the house gets enough light and air. Not having enough of either can lead to mold and mildew (and our next point).
Smell – sniff well. I am always on the alert when visiting a home that has left an incense burner burning. Are they trying to cover something up? Check especially in those rooms that receive less sunlight and air (such as bathrooms). A strong smell of bleach or ammonia could be a sign of trouble.
Storage – Make sure there is room for all your furniture, bedding and bedding, sports and play equipment and knickknacks. Check both the interior and exterior of the house.
Yard – Does the garden suit your needs? Do you do a lot of entertainment? Do you have children and/or pets? Is the fencing adequate?
bath – Ventilation is essential in a bathroom. Make sure the bathroom has a ceiling fan or windows that open easily.
Kitchen – One of the key things to check in the kitchen is the triangle of greatest movement. That is the area between the stove, the refrigerator and the sink. Is there enough room for 2-3 people to use this area (like when you’re entertaining)? And are there enough power outlets for all your kitchen appliances? Older houses, especially, have few electrical outlets in the kitchens.
There’s a lot more, but this gives you an indication of the kinds of things you should be aware of. Just because a house has been reduced in price doesn’t mean it’s a bargain, it could just be a lemon!
For more information and tips on buying a home, check out my resource box.
