5 Often Overlooked Questions to Ask Before Buying a New Jersey Home

Written by Posted On Friday, 06 January 2017 12:10

When it comes to buying a home, there are plenty of things you need to ask. While most people ask the age of the roof and how nice are the neighbors, there are plenty of other questions that will be important when buying the house. For those home buyers in New Jersey, some of the crucial questions revolve around whether or not the property contains an underground oil tank. If it does, chances are there will be numerous issues that will revolve around this, which may play a big part in making the decision as to whether or not to purchase the property. If you're in the market for a New Jersey home but aren't sure what to ask the real estate agent, here are some of the obvious and not-so-obvious ones to ask as soon as possible.

Has an Oil Tank Search Been Performed?

If you're looking to buy a home that is more than 10 years old, it's a good idea to hire a company to perform an oil tank search and if needed perform an oil tank removal. In many cases, home buyers who fail to do so find themselves facing major problems when they discover an underground oil tank is leaking. To keep this from happening, hiring a company such as Oil Tank Solutions to conduct an oil tank search can be one of the smartest decisions you'll ever make. In some cases, even if the home you're interested in purchasing is relatively new, it could have been built on a site that had an underground tank. In addition, before establishing a mortgage or agreeing to insure a property, banks, attorneys, and insurance companies often require a search. If after conducting a search the tank is found to be leaking, soil remediation will need to be performed. This involves removing the contaminated soil, excavating the site for removal of the tank, and then replacing it with clean soil that has been tested and found to be safe.

What Type of Foundation Does the House Have?

When looking to buy a New Jersey home, it's important to know what type of foundation the home has. In most cases, it will be either a basement, crawlspace, or simply a slab of concrete. While all have pros and cons, it often comes down to individual preference. For example, a basement provides extra space for storage or additional rooms, but can also be a source for water leaks or mold. Along with deciding on the type of foundation, it's important to know if the foundation is in good shape. When inspecting a home, be sure to look for cracks in the foundation, which could indicate water damage.

Is There a Violent History in the House?

While this may sound like an unusual question to ask, many people want to know a property's past history when preparing to make a purchase. While a real estate agent may be forthcoming, it's probably a good idea to do an online search to find out any pertinent information. Along with this, speaking with neighbors may also provide insight, especially if they have lived in the neighborhood for many years.

Does the House Smell Weird?

Assuming you've found out the house you're interested in was not the site of a mass murder or is haunted by ghosts, you'll also want to be wary if you notice lots of weird smells as you walk around. Whether it's pet smells, food odors, cigarette smells, or the smell of mold or must, noticing these smells can be a sign of major problems. In most cases, they signify bigger problems ahead or odors that may be difficult to get rid of, so think twice before signing on the dotted line if your nose notices something strange.

Look Out for Pests

If you've got a house you're interested in, one thing you must do is be on the lookout for pests, and we're not talking about pesky neighbors. Rather, the types of pests you need to check for include ants, roaches, mice, and other insects or critters. To ensure you don't purchase a home and then find yourself with plenty of unwanted guests, be sure to check popular hiding places such as cabinets, behind refrigerators and other appliances, and crawlspaces or attics. If you find a problem exists, it may be better to look elsewhere for a new home.

While looking for a new home to buy can be an exciting experience, it can also be one filled with unexpected surprises that may lead to major problems. Whether you find yourself needing an oil tank removal, soil remediation, or a ghostbuster to rid your home of evil spirits, asking the right questions can ensure you'll find a New Jersey home that will be a pleasant dream rather than a nightmare.

 

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