If you are one of many people who will be in the market for a new home in South Carolina this year, you’ll want to keep several things in mind when taking home tours. Buying a new home is exciting, but don’t let your emotions distract you from the practical side of a home purchase. As a home buyer, try not to let yourself be so swept away by aesthetics that you overlook a serious problem issue.
In the automotive sales industry, the term ”lemon” refers to a junk car that someone sells to an unsuspecting buyer. While there are disclosure rules in real estate, it’s still possible to get a bad deal if you overlook certain issues when you are touring homes. Working with an agent you trust can also help protect your interests, especially when it comes to identifying problems that you’d want to resolve before going to closing.
A home buyer should ask how much life is left in the roof
Every roof has a ”lifespan,” which varies, depending on several factors including the material a roof is made of, as well as when it was installed and whether any damage has occurred thus far. The condition of the roof is an issue you definitely do not want to overlook when you are shopping for a new home. In South Carolina, home inspectors typically assess the roof of a home. However, some buyers prefer to initiate a roof inspection that is separate from the general home inspection.
It is always best to find out what a roof is made of, as well as how well ventilation is functioning and how many years you can expect the roof to last.
Never disregard a musty smell as a home buyer
When you are in the market for a new home, your nose can (literally) help you sniff out problems. More specifically, if you sense a musty odor as you are touring a home, always investigate the issue before making an offer. This type of smell is often the result of leakage or past water damage. It might even signify that there is mold or mildew growing in the home somewhere.
Don’t overlook the sounds of a neighborhood
Just as you want to be aware of odors while touring a home, you’ll also want to pay keen attention to the sounds you hear in the surrounding area. Are there a lot of horns honking in traffic, barking dogs, screaming or sounds of loud parties? If such noises do not bother you, then all is well. However, it is not uncommon for a home buyer to be dissuaded from chronic noise or disturbances in the area immediately surrounding a house that is for sale.
Ask questions about uneven or sloping stairs, floors or tiling
If a home has structural damage or something is wrong with its foundation, one of the results you might see when taking a tour is a sloping floor, uneven stairs or bulging or dips in tiling. Such issues do not necessarily mean the house is going to come down around you. However, signs of structural or foundation damage is not something you want to overlook if you are considering making an offer on a house.
Test the appliances that convey
You’re no doubt familiar with the old cliché, ”You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Similarly, you should never assume that the fancy, new-looking appliances you see in a home you are considering for purchase are functioning properly. It’s best to test an appliance or at least inquire about it, especially if it has special features. For instance, is the ice maker working on the fridge? Does the gas fireplace work?
What to do if you discover potential problem issues
If a home is being sold as-is, then you are agreeing to purchase it no matter what types of damage or problem issues you discover during a showing. Otherwise, you have several options to negotiate a deal, including asking the seller to make repairs or to lower the price of the home so that you can set aside funds to make the repairs yourself. Remember, when you have an experienced agent to rely on, it helps to take the guess work out of the home buying process.