Avoid Costly Surprises!
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Odor
Unusual smells can indicate problems, especially mold or mildew issues.
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Plumbing and Electrical
Check water pressure as well as electrical systems to ensure no eroded or exposed wires, properly functioning HVAC, sealed water heater, etc.
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Noise
This is one that homebuyers can often overlook, but it is important to consider the noise within the house as well as how loud the street and neighbourhood are before committing to ensure they are suitable for you.
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Home Layout
Whether or not the layout and function of the home suits your needs.
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Number of Rooms
How many bathrooms and bedrooms does the house have? Is that amount suitable for your needs?
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Wall and Flooring Condition
What is the condition of the walls and floors? Defects such as warping, cracks, watermarks, etc., can be indicative of larger issues.
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Unpermitted Additions or Updates
On occasion, you might go to view a home that was listed as having 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, only to find that it actually has an extra bathroom! As great as this might be for your needs, you'll want to double-check that the addition was permitted. Unpermitted construction can create major issues when it comes to insurance coverage and potential structural headaches if not done properly.
Remember, things like furniture, decor, wall or floor treatments, and hardware or other fixtures are easily updated and not important when viewing a home as they can be changed if the rest of the home suits your needs!
In addition to these items to keep an eye out for, there are also a few specific questions you should be asking your realtor, including: deadline for offers, number of offers that have been made, why the sellers are moving, any concerns they may have, whether or not there is a homeowner association with fees, and how old the home is.
Tim Ward, Collingwood Mortgage Broker.
Let Me Help
Are you currently looking to qualify for a mortgage? Or, do you have some questions for when you are ready to purchase a home in the future? Please don’t hesitate to reach out today! I would be happy to work with you to ensure you understand your options and can obtain a pre-approval to help you understand how much you qualify for!