Prior to purchasing a home, take a walk around to see if there is anything that needs to be repaired. Even if the repair is minor take the time to write it down so it can be discussed later. Needed repairs are a huge reason why many homeowners have to delay selling. And it's also why many do not get the price that they feel the home is worth. A home that needs repairs and replacements can be heavily dampen an otherwise good situation.

Checking the Kitchen and Bathroom

The first place a homebuyer may want to look is in the kitchen and bathroom. Things that must be fixed before selling a home. Repairs ranging from minor to severe can be found in these areas. Check for plumbing and electrical issues. When purchasing a home, if the kitchen has all the necessary appliances that is generally a good thing. Unless, it is found out that the refrigerator or another appliance does not work, than it is not a good thing.

If appliances are missing or out of order, ask the homeowner about it. If nothing is going to be done prior to the close of sell, than it may be wise to subtract those costs from the price. Check the cabinets in both the bathroom and kitchen. If the cabinets can not open or if they are hanging from the wall than it may be a good idea to gather cabinet replacement costs. Let the owner know that the cost of installing new cabinets will be deducted from the final cost.

The sinks in the home should not leak. If you find linking faucets let the owner know that you like to have this issue taken care of before you can make an offer. When strolling through the bathroom, take a close look at the bathtub. If the tub looks as though it needs to be replaced, find out what is economically possible for the owner.

When touring the home, be on the lookout for holes. All holes in the home needs to be filled and painted over. Along with any holes in the ceiling. What can be easily fixed when selling your home.

Any serious home buyer who wants to make an informed decision needs to take a good, hard look at the roof. Getting a ladder and climbing up on the roof can be a hassle, but well worth it. Or you can pay a professional to examine it for you, either way it needs to be done. Missing tiles and shingles can be costly to replace. Make a compromise with the homeowner to have this issue taken care of or the cost deducted.

Does the home have a security system? If a home has a security system that is currently in use it assures the home buyer that there won't be any problems for them when they install their own. Home security systems makes the home feel safe and secure. It brings a feeling that the home is guarded and protected.

Major home repair issues can actually be a deal breaker. A structurally unsound foundation, a collapsing deck or drainage problem are all issues that could turn a home buyer away. The higher the cost of the repair and the more complicated the issue the less likely the home will sell. Due to code-compliance the owner will need to get work fixing these problems one way or another. Things that a home buyer should notice when purchasing a home.

A serious home buyer will even examine the fencing and landscaping of a home. A fence that looks like it needs repairing is an added headache. It is one more task on an already long laundry lists of things to do. Home owners will find that maintaining the trees and bushes gives the entire outdoor scene a nice cared for appeal.