What things you should look for when you purchase a house

[29na13]

Next week we are going to see a house for purchase, I just want to know what all important things I should look when seeing a house?

[Erica9901]

location is really important, check crime rate, schools, neighborhood; for re-sale value

[mrisha]

When purchasing a house, check that all works in the house to include the water heater, no water seepage, check the walls if there is a basement, flood planes, location, neighborhood, noise level, property taxes.  There are other things, but those are good beginnings.

[Notalwayshere]

Make sure you check the foundation on roof. Those are pretty big expenses if something comes up wrong with them later.

[koolcraftlady]

My suggestion would be to check plumbing, electrical, roofing, foundation as any of these problems could mean large amounts of money to fix.  Also location, move in ready or fixer upper, schools (if needed), close to shopping and work, neighborhood, size of town or rural area.  You may also want to find out how much utility bills run.  Good luck on your house hunting.

[kcoleman2]

I would check location, schools, crime rate. Also check for any damamges and repairs that have been done to the house. like water damage, roof, floors, etc. How old is the house, what remodeling has been done. Size of rooms. Make yourself a list of the things you want to have in the house and check for those as well, like garage, big yard, deck,etc. Good Luck!

[squirrelgirl44]

The inspector will catch any problems, I look for an open kitchen, and the number of bathrooms/bedrooms. Having a good layout for a family/living room is good too.

[tin8604]

My husband wants to look for a house soon and it makes me nervous.  I also am wondering what all to look for. 

[mpmarisa]

Location, criminal activity, local school ratings if you got kids, closeness to shopping centers, traffic the ambiance of the community; is it quiet, noisy, too many kids, adolescents-teenagers hanging outside all the time.  Are the homes well kept in the area (no on doing front yard mechaincs on their cars stuff).

Make sure the distance from home to work, if you work, is affordable (gas prices continue to rise).

The structural should be checked by a licensed and bonded inspector.

If you plan to make any kind of improvements to the existing home, how much will you have spend versus how much are you willing to spend.

Another thing to contemplate is how long you think you will want to live at this home and will you need room to expand in time for kids and such.

I purchased my home about 2 years ago.  One thing I wanted was a garden so I ensured it had a yard appropriate for my dreams.  Ample room inside for everyone to be together and still have some space.  The only thing I did not like was it has a smalller kitchen than I wanted but in the end it's also less of a mess to clean. 

Good luck!

[ben50]

check water pipes how long ago were the replaced, any corrosion, are they in the street, or on your property, check wiring, get it checked out by electritian. heater, furnace, and central air, check the roof out, look at the ceilings, any visibility of possibly past leakage that has been covered up.

[vmcutshall]

I would have a house inspection done by a reputably company. That should take care of any roof, foundation, and pest control problems. Know the property very well before you purchase and have the title checked. Some friends of mine were buying a place and when they tried to move in they found that the title was not clear and that there was a prior claim to the property.

[candyterrius]

Judging from my past experience, it’s important to look for a house with your own driveway and garage. It’s inconvenient to find a parking space on a daily basis… not to mention we must obey street sweeping signs.