After finding a house you like in a conducive neighborhood, it is essential to carry out a few important tasks before moving in or signing the paperwork with the realtor. Doing so will ensure that the house is worth the asking price.
You will also confirm that it meets your expected standards and does not have significant issues that require attention before moving in. Here are a few of the things you should do:
Have A Roof Inspection
Having a professional city contractor or one near you check the roof’s condition will ensure that water leakage is not an issue after moving into your new house. The inspection will also let you know the age of the roof and other possible problems to address.
Detecting issues before signing the paperwork can give you the upper hand when negotiating the buying price. You can request for the landlord to take care of the repairs or let you do it, then discount the cost in the home purchase price. When the issues are significant, such as the need for a roof replacement, it is best to let the landlord handle it.
Home Inspection
As the final step before buying and moving into a house, hire an inspector to detail all existing problems and how they can be addressed. Make sure you understand the reports and take them as part of your due diligence when making your offer.
Having this information will also help you determine the lowest price to counter-offer. Critical issues can be plumbing, electrical wiring, structural problems, roofing, and foundation cracks.
Home Evaluation
A professional appraiser can help you understand the home value in today’s market. You will know the maximum price to offer or what should be your minimum if you plan to resell later on. The last thing you want is paying too much for a house that lost its appreciation potential.
Update The Locks
Even when the last tenant turned in all the house keys, it is an excellent idea to change all the locks. It will assure you of more security when you move in.
Have A Pest Inspection
Before moving into a house, a thorough pest inspection is also a must because it may have existing insect problems that require treatment. The condition of the floorboards has to be checked for termite damage too. Knowing what you are getting into beforehand will save time and money as well as prevent future headaches. To be safe, have the entire home fumigated before moving in, especially when it’s an old house.
Have A Professional Cleaning Service
After signing all the paperwork, it is time to make the house clean and livable for your family. The exercise requires more than just a standard cleaning. Professionals can make the difference by removing all unwanted scents, stains, and odors, as well as removing dirt from carpeting, windows, and countertops. Hire a cleaning service before moving in to ensure that all is safe for your health. It will also be one less task to handle when planning the move.
Carrying out these steps ensures that you end up with a quality buy that will stay in good condition for years.
