Four Deal Breakers to Avoid When Looking at Homes for Sale

You’ve been looking at residential homes for sale in North Hills but aren’t sure which is the best buy for you. Besides considering its outward appearance, you want to make sure the house is structurally sound and not a disaster waiting to happen. What questions should you ask? What do you need to know?

Here are four deal breakers to consider when looking at homes for sale:

1. Roofs

Well-constructed and maintained roofs can survive for years. You won’t know how old the roof is or its condition until the home inspection. However, you can gather information from the seller beforehand.

Ask the homeowner:

    • How old is the roof?
    • Does it have any damage?
    • When was the roof last inspected?
    • Is it under warranty? Is the warranty transferable?
    • Will the seller be willing to compensate the buyer for any existing damage?

[Source: 22 Questions to Ask When Buying a House | Kin Insurance]
[Source: Before you buy a home, ask these 5 questions about the roof | myMotherLode.com]

 2. Plumbing

How do you detect plumbing issues in a home? Damp walls, water stains, and signs of mildew or mold are strong indicators of a leak somewhere in the structure. But how would you know about any long-term problems?

Ask the homeowner:

    • How old is the plumbing?
    • Has the main sewer been cleaned recently?
    • Are there any cross-connections (drinking water pipes with a physical connection to non-potable water) or backflows?
    • What type of piping is in the home? (Clay, Galvanized, Orangeburg, Copper, PVC). Copper and PVC are the most dependable materials.

[Source: Plumbing Questions When Buying A Home | Meticulous Plumbing]

3. Electrical

The state of your home’s electrical system affects your appliances, lighting, and possibly recharging your car. It also guarantees your safety at home. Is your wiring up to code? Poorly maintained systems with exposed wires or older wiring can cause short circuits and even fires.

Ask the homeowner:

    • Are the bathroom, kitchen, and exterior outlets (anywhere there is moisture and electrical wiring) GFCI Protected?
    • Is the electrical panel in working order?
    • What size is the electrical panel? Modern homes require 200 to 400 amperes.
    • What type of wiring is in the house? Copper wires are ideal; however, many homes built in the 1960s and 1970s used aluminum, which can be flammable.

[Source: Electrical Questions I Wish Everyone Asks Before Buying a Home (wirechiefelectric.com)]
[Source: How Do I Tell the Size of the Main Electrical Panel I Have? (theelectricconnection.com)]

4. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

A home’s air conditioning and furnace system can be costly to replace. And if it’s not functioning correctly, temperatures can get uncomfortable inside your home.

Ask the homeowner:

    • How old is the HVAC system?
    • Is it an Energy Star system? This offers more energy efficiency and is required for newer homes.
    • Is the HVAC under warranty? Is the warranty transferable?
    • What do the heating and cooling bills cost on average?

[Source: Important HVAC Questions to Ask When Buying a Home (smarttouchenergy.com)]

When looking for a home you want to be as well informed as possible, and often it takes asking some questions along the way. The best part is, you don’t have to do it alone. Your local real estate expert in Northridge, CA, can help you get it done.
Contact Raquel Magro, Real Estate Resource Team at Pinnacle Estates in Mission Hills, for expert advice. She can help you look for residential homes for sale in North Hills. Give her a call today at 818-361-7027 or email her at raquel@raquelmagro.com.