Spotting the Lemons: 5 Things to Watch for When Buying a New Home

Written by Posted On Friday, 11 August 2017 15:18

If you are in the market for a new home, you want to make sure that you get the most value for your money. While it is easy to fall in love with the updated kitchen, that shouldn't be your biggest concern when buying a home. Instead, you should make sure that it has a solid foundation and that the major components are in good shape. 

Water Pressure

Without good water pressure, you won't be able to flush your toilet, take a shower or do the dishes. Poor water pressure can be a sign of larger plumbing issues that could cost thousands of dollars to repair. 

Check the Roof

The roof should not be missing any shingles, leaking or show signs of pest damage. If it does, have the issues fixed before committing to buy the property. Otherwise, you could be at risk of the structure collapsing while you and your family are inside the home.

Look Into Utilities

You want your water, light and heat bills to be as low as possible. Larger than normal monthly payments could indicate that you have a furnace that isn't efficient or a leaking pipe somewhere. It is also a good idea to check the electrical system in your home to make sure that it works properly. You can have a professional like A & E Heating and AC Inc check these out for you if you’re unsure.

A Firm Foundation

If there is a crack in the foundation, it could cause the entire property to fall over. Cracks in the foundation may be signs of improper maintenance by the previous owners or water damage. Pest or animal infestations may also help to cause a foundation to suffer damage. 

Basement Elevation

If you notice that items in the basement are lifted off of the ground, it could be a sign that it floods regularly. While this may not be a huge problem if you understand how to handle the occasional water coming into your home, it could be a disaster if you don't know how to get rid of water in a timely manner. Stain lines are an indication of how high water has risen in the basement previously. 

Buying a home is long-term commitment. You need to know that it will last for as long as you want or need to own it to get the most value for your money. By inspecting the property with an eye toward the minor details, it can help you make a better purchasing decision.

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Kara Masterson

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max. Kara is the youngest of four. She has two hilarious brothers and one beautiful sister. She also is the aunt of 4 crazy little girls that she loves more than anything!! Kara is not yet able to be a mom, but she loves being around kids and being like a second mom to her nieces. She dreams of the day that she can start her own little family.

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