When house hunting in Albuquerque, it’s
easy to get caught up in the great aspects of
a house, but it’s critical that you keep
an eye out for warning signs and ask plenty
of questions.
It’s important to look at the not-so-obvious
problems and potential problems that could arise
if you buy the home. Discovering flaws could
help you when negotiating price, and it will
give you time to consider just how many repairs
need to be made if you decide to purchase the
house.
To avoid later grief, consider this list of
tips and questions when deciding if a particular
type of home is right for you.
Neighborhood
- Have neighbors complained about air or noise
pollution from traffic and industry in the
area?
- How close is the house to power lines or
large electrical towers?
- When it rains, is there good drainage or
does the street flood, threatening to do the
same to your basement?
Exterior
- Stand across the street. Does the land slope
toward the house? Drainage should be away
from the perimeter of the home.
- Do any of the materials show signs of rotting
or a previous bug problem?
- Does the house have suitable storm windows?
Do all the windows have screens? Do they open
and close easily? Press your finger into the
wood of the sills; if it’s soft, it’s
rotten!
- Are all doors able to shut completely to
avoid drafts/bugs?
- When was the roof last replaced? Are there
odd bumps or dips? Are shingles missing?
Garage
- If the house has an attached garage, is
there space or a well-sealed door between
the garage and the living area?
- Is there adequate vehicle and storage space?
Interior
- Check the ceilings and walls for watermark
stains or mold; this is an indication of water
damage. Consider visiting the house on a rainy
day to check for leaks.
- Does the basement or crawl space smell damp
or moldy?
- Does the staircase seem sturdy, or is it
squeaky and unsteady?
- Is the paint peeling or the molding cracked?
You probably have more questions of your own,
but hopefully you will consider these to be
a good start as you determine whether a particular
house is the one you want to call “home
sweet home.”
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