Believe it or not, buying can be like planning for your wedding day — there are months packed with excitement, stress, planning, and then, finally, the big payoff. Although we can’t help you with happily-ever-after, we can share insight on your journey to homeownership. Here are 5 things to watch for when buying a house.
1. Recognize a roof in need of repair
Does the roof look relatively new or is it caving in? If the roof is eye-catching (not in a good way), chances are it could end up costing you. A newer roof, on the other hand, could mean a lower homeowners insurance rate.
2. Don’t judge a room by its paint job
When looking at the prospective houses, focus on the structural stuff — aging appliances, loose wires — and tune out any freshly painted walls or upscale decor. The foundation will be there long after the paint has started chipping and you want that to be what lasts.
3. Take its temperature
If it looks rickety or old, it probably is. Heating and cooling systems are expensive to fix and replace, and inefficient ones can eat away at your utility bills. Make sure the furnace is up to date and in good repair.
4. Decide on your dealbreakers
Think about the purpose of your home and the requirements for your lifestyle, like storage for a large book collection or a big backyard for barbecuing.It can also be smart to spring for a home with an extra bedroom if you’re planning on kids or guests.
5. Plumbing: what lies beneath
Don’t get caught up on eye-level things, make sure you get underneath the sink and examine those pipes. Check for leaks, water damage, and mold.
For more tips of Homebuying and what to look for, check out esurance.com
source: esurance.com
Looking to buy a home? The Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers down payment assistance, career-related interest rate discounts and other loan products to make buying a home or condo easier. Click here to see if you are eligible
