7 Things to Look for in Your Dream Home

You have been searching the market for weeks, maybe even months, trying to find the perfect house. You finally walk into what looks like could be “the one” you’ve been looking for. The color schemes and the layout are exactly what you have dreamed about, but don’t let those things detour you from looking for important signs that could mean the deal is too good to be true.
The most expensive repairs can often be the hardest to spot, unless you know where to look, of course. These seven tips can help you make sure that you are walking into your dream home, and not a financial nightmare.

1. Foundation – like all things, start with the foundation of the house. Check the exterior brick for any cracks. If the house has a basement, check that first. Look for any cracks in the concrete, and check for cracks in the drywall around the doors and windows.

2. While you looking around and checking for a sound foundation, also inspect the heating and cooling system. HVAC Equipment can be very costly to replace, and has a direct impact on how energy efficient the home is and therefore the cost of the utilities. Look to see how old the unit is, and listen to see if it sounds like it is properly running.

3. If you are looking at buying a home built before the 1930’s, check the electrical system for Knob & Tube Wiring. A Knob & Tube electrical system should ultimately be avoided. Any tampering can cause problems; for example, blown insulation in an attic is considered a fire hazard. You may be required to rewire the entire house before you are able to get Home Owners Insurance.

4. One of the hardest things to spot can be not only expensive to fix, but hazardous to your health. Water damage can lead to mold, and in the worst cases, black mold. Look for brown or white streaks on the walls, or horizontal stains on any bare floors. Check under the sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms for any signs of mold growth.

5. Get a professional opinion. If you are seriously considering purchasing a property, spend a little money up front to have a home inspector help spot any potential problems. Look for an inspector who is associated with a professional inspection organization like the National Institute of Building Inspectors or the American Society of Home Inspectors.

6. Sleep on it. When making any major financial decision, a good rule of thumb is to think about it for a few days, then go back and view the property a second time. You may catch something you missed the first time, or realize that you are not as in love with the house as you first thought.

7. Last but not least – Trust your gut feeling. If you think that the price is just too good to be true, it probably is. But, if you follow these guidelines you can save yourself the potential waste of time and money when looking for your perfect home.