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.
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