When you buy real estate, you want to know exactly what you're getting. Buying a home that needs repairs isn't a bad move as long as you know about the needed repairs in advance and work the cost into your buying budget. In addition to having a home inspection, you'll want to look over the home you're considering carefully. Here are some things to check that are easy to overlook.

Trees On The Property

You may be drawn to the beauty of a large shade tree in the yard, but you'll want to consider if a big tree is a threat to the roof or home. At the least, a tree that sheds a lot of leaves could mean more yard and gutter maintenance. Think about how the tree will grow in the coming years. If the tree hasn't been pruned and trained, the tree might grow toward your roof or grow straight into power lines. If you need to remove young trees, or even worse, cut down a mature tree, it will be an added expense, and the loss of trees will change the appearance of your property.

Security And Efficiency Of Windows And Doors

If you're buying an older mid-century house, it may have old windows and older doors that aren't very secure or energy efficient. If you're planning to renovate the home, this may not be an issue, but if you want a home that's move-in ready, then you'll want a house that has good home security features, and that includes sturdy exterior doors and windows. Another reason to check the windows closely is to see if they have any energy-efficient qualities.

Old windows might have aluminum frames and single panes of glass. The windows may still look fine, but they may allow excess heat transfer that drives up your power bill in the winter and summer. Newer windows that have insulated frames and double panes of glass would be better or your comfort and budget.

Areas That Don't Match The Rest Of The Property

Home sellers tend to spruce up their homes before they go on the market. A home that's been neglected could be a sign that the previous owner hasn't kept up with repairs and maintenance on the house over the years. An even more telling sign is when you see an area of cosmetic improvement that doesn't fit in with the rest of the house. For instance, most of the walls may have old, dingy paint, but one wall might have fresh paint that was applied to cover up some sort of damage. The previous owner may have repaired or covered mold or water damage in this area.

Look for areas in the yard that seem out of place too, such as a patch of lush grass in a yard where most of the grass is sparse and brown. This could be a sign of a water leak or septic backup that's happened recently. When you notice unusual areas like this, try to find out the reason so you can make sure you're not buying a house that has a major problem you'll need to repair once you close the sale.

For help with purchasing a home in your area, contact a company like Cannon Real Estate near you.

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