Pre-Inspection Inspection

If you're a buyer, you know how important it is to have a home inpsection. This step alone will keep you from making a huge mistake or give you a peace of mind about purchasing the home you're interested in.

Did you know that there are things you can look for before an inspection that can give you a clue about the condition of the house? Here are five things that all home buyers should be on the lookout for when looking at houses.

1. Use your eyes and nose. Be on the lookout for water damage, leaks, or mold. Look beneath counters, behind shower curtains, and around sinks. Do you see evidence of leaks or of moisture build-up? Are there tiles rotting off walls or dampness under sinks? And don't forget to use your nose. You can smell moisture as soon as you enter some homes. This goes for the basement as well. They are notorious for harboring mold, leaks, and moisture. By the way, this also gives you a great opportunity to inspect joists for rot or termite damage as well as wall damage, which could indicate foundation issues.

2. View the attic. You can tell alot about a house by looking at the attic. Is it well insulated? If not, find out what the average heating and cooling bills are. Check the wiring too. Are they safely installed?

3. Age and state of some of the more costly repairs and replacements. Look at the appliances, water heaters, siding, and paint. Asking about the age and functionality of these items will alert you to when you'll need to replace them and can help you at the negotiating table.

4. Walk around the house. You will want to be able to see the foundation and look for any visible cracks. Large trees to close to the house can cause issues for both plumbing and foundation because of its large roots.

5. Take a look at the neighborhood. What kind of condition are the houses in? How do they look? Are people taking care of their yards? Is the neighborhood noisy? Does it smell good?

So there you have it. These are tips only and does not in any way substitute for a professional inspection of the property. They just give you some real clues as to whether this home is what you're looking for or willing to get into.

I'm Lisa Longest with Exit Gold Realty. I specialize in residential real estate in Stevensville Md and surrounding areas, such as Chester MD. Feel free to contact me at 443-786-4200 or email me at LisaLongest@ExitGoldRealty.com

I'm "The Realtor That Will Be With You The Longest"