Top Signs You Shouldn’t Buy That House

How to Quickly Recognize a Money Pit

Homes.com
              

Buying a Home? Not So Fast

If you live in a hot housing market where desirable properties tend to be snapped up nearly as soon as they’re offered, then you may feel pressured to seal the deal immediately if and when you find a home you really like. But smart homebuyers do their due diligence before committing to a mortgage. Here are some warning signs that the home you’re considering purchasing may not be as good a deal as it seems.

A Shoddy Roof

Your home’s roof is your main line of defense against the elements. A poorly maintained or leaky roof can spell serious trouble down the road. Leaks can cause water damage, and not just to your possessions, but to your home as well. Cracked or missing shingles are an obvious red flag, but it’s not a bad idea to have a professional roofer perform an in-depth inspection, even if the roof appears to be in good repair. That way, you’ll be able to rest easy, knowing your new home’s roof is up to snuff.

Bad Plumbing

If you’re considering purchasing a historic home, there’s a good possibility that the home’s plumbing is as old as the house itself. Older homes are certainly charming, but outdated plumbing systems? Not so much. Check the sinks, toilets, showers, and tubs for good drainage and adequate water pressure. Find out if the home has a septic tank, and if so, how old it is.

Have a look at the water heater. If it’s outdated, it may be set to reach the end of its useful life. An old water heater or faulty toilet isn’t necessarily a no-go, but it’s good to know what you’re getting yourself into. This is another situation where it may be a good idea to enlist the services of a trained professional.


Zoning Restrictions

If you’re considering adding a spare bedroom or guesthouse after you’ve purchased your new home, make sure the property is zoned to allow the additions you’re interested in making. The last thing you want to do is find out too late that you can’t legally complete the process of turning your newly purchased house into the dream home you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Outdated Wiring in the Home

Homes have had electricity for a long time now, but the wiring systems we now use are much safer than the old-fashioned wiring that’s often found in many older homes. If your new home still has cloth-wrapped wiring and an old-style fuse box, there’s a strong possibility that you’ll need to have your home rewired, and that can cost as much as $20k. If you’re still convinced that this is the only home for you, then you may be able to use the outdated electrical as leverage for a price reduction.


Need help in Buying or selling a home? 
Contact me
Asifa Zia
Licensed in VA
Keller Williams Realty Manassas VA
540-729-3470
aszia09@gmail.com
www.buyandsellnorthvirginia.com

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