Buying a house is a big decision. However, it does not need to be a difficult one, or one that sets your nerves on edge wondering if you are doing the right thing. All you have to do is know what to look for when buying a house.
Choose correctly by being informed, and you will purchase a house that will not cost you a ton of money in repairs the second you sign those closing papers. Here’s what to look for.
Look for a Roof that Needs Repairing
A roof is a big expense. You want to make sure you don’t need to replace the one on your new house for a long time after buying it.
Even if the sellers are advertising the place as having a new roof, it might be a decade or older, and just seems new to them.
Check out the roof before entering the house. Does it look new? Is it caving in? Are shingles falling off? Are there holes in it? Is it covered with fallen tree branches?
Make sure you get a house inspection before buying. That will tell you for sure if the roof is new or if it needs repairing.
Check Out the Plumbing
Plumbing is more important than you might imagine, when it comes to buying a house. Faulty plumbing can end up being expensive once you’re living in the place.
When you are examining the house, before buying, look at the plumbing underneath the sinks, behind the toilets, and around the washer, dryer, hot water heater, and shower.
Look for leaks, rust, holes, water damage, mold, and loose pieces. If anything is amiss, have the homeowner fix it before you agree to buy it.
Is the Land Good?
This is more important than you might think. Do you really want to buy a house sitting on land that is prone to wildfires or flooding? Is it a great idea to buy on land that experiences sinkholes and earthquakes?
Even houses that share driveways with the house next door can be problematic, as can houses with fences that encroach on neighboring property (or vice versa). Make sure the land is safe and in good condition, with no title issues, before buying.
Once you have looked at these three things and are happy with them, it is time to make an offer on a house you love. We can help you with that. At Brookfield Residential, we have tons of homes in Kansas City you will love. Contact us today to get started searching for your own dream home.