As a first time homebuyer, I'd love any advice outside of the standard get an inspection (the offer is contingent). I grew up a navy brat so I have little to no repair/do it yourself skills (base housing + a string of rentals will do that), any suggestions on how to learn the basics?
I just had a bid accepted on a house
- Thread starter andrewckellogg
- Start date
Congratulations!
The inspector should be independent and if they ask who the realtor is run! The are often pressured to not "kill the deal" by the realtors.
Make sure the roof and chimney, including the flue,are inspected from the roof, not the ground.
Try to have a good time with it, its a stressful, but wonderful event.
The inspector should be independent and if they ask who the realtor is run! The are often pressured to not "kill the deal" by the realtors.
Make sure the roof and chimney, including the flue,are inspected from the roof, not the ground.
Try to have a good time with it, its a stressful, but wonderful event.
Call a few home inspectors...try to find someone that actually has experience in the trades rather than a guy who just completed a correspondence course.
Also, pay close attention to the inspection periods in the contract...17 days is typical, but on bank owned properties that is usually lowered to 7-10...make sure your inspector can not only complete the inspection, but complete and deliver his report quickly enough to give you a chance to review it in depth before the inspection period is over. Typically an inspection contingency will still be in place until you sign a contingency removal irrespective of time periods, but get it done within the time period anyway...a conscientious seller's agent will be asking you to sign a contingency removal as soon as the time period is up.
Also, there will typically be a section in the report that identifies areas that were inaccessible or that the inspector was otherwise not able to inspect for whatever reason...areas in the crawlspace that are blocked off by structural elements, areas of the foundation/facade that are covered by shrubs, etc...satisfy yourself that there are no issues with these areas. That goes for the termite inspection too.
Also, pay close attention to the inspection periods in the contract...17 days is typical, but on bank owned properties that is usually lowered to 7-10...make sure your inspector can not only complete the inspection, but complete and deliver his report quickly enough to give you a chance to review it in depth before the inspection period is over. Typically an inspection contingency will still be in place until you sign a contingency removal irrespective of time periods, but get it done within the time period anyway...a conscientious seller's agent will be asking you to sign a contingency removal as soon as the time period is up.
Also, there will typically be a section in the report that identifies areas that were inaccessible or that the inspector was otherwise not able to inspect for whatever reason...areas in the crawlspace that are blocked off by structural elements, areas of the foundation/facade that are covered by shrubs, etc...satisfy yourself that there are no issues with these areas. That goes for the termite inspection too.
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Where is the property located? a Termite inspection is sometimes done by a third party and may or may not be included in the report. If you are in an area that has any termite problems, make sure you get that inspected and included in your report(s).
The advice about the inspections is good ... you wouldn't want to be spending those big bucks without knowing exactly what you're buying.
The termite inspection is usually the responsibility of the seller, but even if its not required in your state, get it done anyway, even if you have to pay for it. They are not too terribly expensive.
Another inspection that you might want to consider is a title search ... this ensures that the seller is the actual owner and is entitled free and clear to sell the property. Again, this is not too expensive, and will deliver great peace of mind.
Aside from the inspection reports, take an afternoon or two and go introduce yourself to the neighbors, so you can get a feel for what living there will be like. If you're not familiar with the area, ask them about good places to shop / eat / car repairs / entertainment / etc.
The termite inspection is usually the responsibility of the seller, but even if its not required in your state, get it done anyway, even if you have to pay for it. They are not too terribly expensive.
Another inspection that you might want to consider is a title search ... this ensures that the seller is the actual owner and is entitled free and clear to sell the property. Again, this is not too expensive, and will deliver great peace of mind.
Aside from the inspection reports, take an afternoon or two and go introduce yourself to the neighbors, so you can get a feel for what living there will be like. If you're not familiar with the area, ask them about good places to shop / eat / car repairs / entertainment / etc.
Hearty congratulations!!
I'm happy to read you will have an inspection, it is well worth the money for a highly respected independant.
The inspection should include every room in your house and all heating, complete air conditioning, all indoor and outdoor electricity (every outlet and the box), plumbing, water drainage and piping/wiring to the public access point. The last inspection I received was about 15 typed pages long. I think the time of the last toilet flush was noted.
Also a complete survey and check for any variances, right-of-way, annex or imminent domain issues.
Your lender will check for Title and handle Title Insurance.
Unsure where you are geographically but if termites also live there, have a thorough termite inspection done by a experinced reputable inspector.
Dear friends who moved to Missouri from cold country unknowingly hired a 'realtor's "friend" that overlooked the mud trails on the ceiling of the home they purchased. The initial cost of repairs was $23,000 and that was over ten years ago. The resulting lawsuit was lost due to the fact the sellers stated they had termites two years previous to the home sale and attatched a receipt for treatment to their Disclosure.
Oh, did I mention they found squirrels were living in the kitchen cupboards via a pin oak near the attic vent? As Jim says, do NOT use an inspector suggested by the agent.
Sue
I'm happy to read you will have an inspection, it is well worth the money for a highly respected independant.
The inspection should include every room in your house and all heating, complete air conditioning, all indoor and outdoor electricity (every outlet and the box), plumbing, water drainage and piping/wiring to the public access point. The last inspection I received was about 15 typed pages long. I think the time of the last toilet flush was noted.
Also a complete survey and check for any variances, right-of-way, annex or imminent domain issues.
Your lender will check for Title and handle Title Insurance.
Unsure where you are geographically but if termites also live there, have a thorough termite inspection done by a experinced reputable inspector.
Dear friends who moved to Missouri from cold country unknowingly hired a 'realtor's "friend" that overlooked the mud trails on the ceiling of the home they purchased. The initial cost of repairs was $23,000 and that was over ten years ago. The resulting lawsuit was lost due to the fact the sellers stated they had termites two years previous to the home sale and attatched a receipt for treatment to their Disclosure.
Oh, did I mention they found squirrels were living in the kitchen cupboards via a pin oak near the attic vent? As Jim says, do NOT use an inspector suggested by the agent.
Sue
Congrats! Be sure to look into that $8k federal house credit.
My family and I own some rental units and are in the process of buying another house. An independent inspector is always a good idea, but you can also take a look around yourself in addition.
The first thing I always look for is evidence of water damage. You'll see water stains on the ceiling, bowed/stained walls, evidence under cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms, and you'll also find it in the floors in those rooms. That's critical because replacing water damaged parts is usually major surgery and also indicates plumbing problems.
Next, check the electrical box to make sure it's set up correctly and check all the circuits.
Check over the HVAC to make sure it is in good working order. If you can get under the house, check out the foundation.
Look for evidence of termite damage, too. You'll find small holes in woodwork, little piles of round black termite droppings, and sometimes termites themselves. Similarly, look for rodent droppings, rat nests inside/under cabinets, and dead cockroaches.
Look over the roof. Are there missing tiles, sloppy repairs or obvious faults?
Cosmetic stuff isn't that big of a deal. Paint and carpet are easily fixed, and you can DIY it.
Speaking of which, DIY is hugely rewarding and cost effective. We do all the work on our places.
One upgrade I find very useful is tiling the wet areas, like bathrooms and kitchens. Nothing is as cost effective and durable as tile. Don't be afraid to DIY tile, either. You'll need a book on the procedures and layout (there are rules to be followed) and you can rent a tile saw. Laying tile is about 90% labor and 10% skill. If you put in the time to do it right, you can. Tile is great on countertops, too.
Check to see if there is an architectural salvage yard nearby. You can get all sorts of terrific fixtures cheap. The old stuff is usually of high quality, too.
A couple of other upgrades I strongly recommend are ceiling fans and fire pits. Ceiling fans are cheap to run and can cut back on AC bills. A fire pit in the yard is cheap and a great focal point. It's a great place to gather in the evenings and a great place to cook, as well. There's nothing better than grilling steaks and corn then sitting around the fire to eat.
Anyhow, congrats on the house and I hope it's everything you want.
My family and I own some rental units and are in the process of buying another house. An independent inspector is always a good idea, but you can also take a look around yourself in addition.
The first thing I always look for is evidence of water damage. You'll see water stains on the ceiling, bowed/stained walls, evidence under cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms, and you'll also find it in the floors in those rooms. That's critical because replacing water damaged parts is usually major surgery and also indicates plumbing problems.
Next, check the electrical box to make sure it's set up correctly and check all the circuits.
Check over the HVAC to make sure it is in good working order. If you can get under the house, check out the foundation.
Look for evidence of termite damage, too. You'll find small holes in woodwork, little piles of round black termite droppings, and sometimes termites themselves. Similarly, look for rodent droppings, rat nests inside/under cabinets, and dead cockroaches.
Look over the roof. Are there missing tiles, sloppy repairs or obvious faults?
Cosmetic stuff isn't that big of a deal. Paint and carpet are easily fixed, and you can DIY it.
Speaking of which, DIY is hugely rewarding and cost effective. We do all the work on our places.
One upgrade I find very useful is tiling the wet areas, like bathrooms and kitchens. Nothing is as cost effective and durable as tile. Don't be afraid to DIY tile, either. You'll need a book on the procedures and layout (there are rules to be followed) and you can rent a tile saw. Laying tile is about 90% labor and 10% skill. If you put in the time to do it right, you can. Tile is great on countertops, too.
Check to see if there is an architectural salvage yard nearby. You can get all sorts of terrific fixtures cheap. The old stuff is usually of high quality, too.
A couple of other upgrades I strongly recommend are ceiling fans and fire pits. Ceiling fans are cheap to run and can cut back on AC bills. A fire pit in the yard is cheap and a great focal point. It's a great place to gather in the evenings and a great place to cook, as well. There's nothing better than grilling steaks and corn then sitting around the fire to eat.
Anyhow, congrats on the house and I hope it's everything you want.
On my second house I had a bad feeling about the inspector I choose. He volunteered that I didn't have to be there while he was doing his inspection.
When I insisted he agreed but as we walked around I had the feeling that he wasn't looking at much and was simply drawing out the duration to make the inspection seem thorough.
So I coughed up and got a second inspection...best money ever spent. Guy answered my questions and not only showed me his concerns but explained what would be involved to correct...I used him again on the house I wound up buying.
Ask questions, be involved and if it doesn't seem right, it isn't.
Congratulations on the house. The local trade school has courses on handyman/homeowner stuff and so does the local home depot. I have taken a few of those things for general knowledge and did well by it.
Good luck and enjoy the headache and contentment that is owning a home!
When I insisted he agreed but as we walked around I had the feeling that he wasn't looking at much and was simply drawing out the duration to make the inspection seem thorough.
So I coughed up and got a second inspection...best money ever spent. Guy answered my questions and not only showed me his concerns but explained what would be involved to correct...I used him again on the house I wound up buying.
Ask questions, be involved and if it doesn't seem right, it isn't.
Congratulations on the house. The local trade school has courses on handyman/homeowner stuff and so does the local home depot. I have taken a few of those things for general knowledge and did well by it.
Good luck and enjoy the headache and contentment that is owning a home!
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If you want the plumbing inspected, hire a plumber. If you want the HVAC checked out, hire a Mechanical company. Electrician for the wiring. Any idiot can turn on switches and flush toilets and tell you if it's working. If it's worth buying, it's worth checking. Hire people who don't care if the sale goes through, ignore recommendations from real estate sellers. 15 years of plumbing/HVAC trade experience talking here. Best of luck, I hope things work out!
Along with a good inspector, if you haven't had much experience fixing/maintaining a house, I would recommend a book like this. It has good pictures and explanations to help walk you through.
http://www.amazon.com/Home-Improvem...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269955414&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Home-Improvem...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269955414&sr=1-1
+1 When ever something has gone wrong with my house, instead of calling up a handyman I just look in the book and see if I can do it. This has saved me quite a bit. Congrats on the house.
It sounds like you've already gone through the buying process, but this thread has a lot of good info:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=126819
Maintenance knowledge comes from doing, messing it up, and doing it again right. We built a brand new home 2 years ago and I'm amazed at how much maintenance has to go into it. For our next home I'm seriously considering finding something at least 5 years old that has all of the initial maintenance done for it.
Also take preventative measures so you can do less maintenance. We are going to have a whole house humidifier installed soon. Our new house is so "tight" because of energy efficient windows and such, that in the winter when the heat is on there is very little humidity in the house. This causes all sorts of cracking/squeaking and such from things warping, plus additional health/comfort issues.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=126819
Maintenance knowledge comes from doing, messing it up, and doing it again right. We built a brand new home 2 years ago and I'm amazed at how much maintenance has to go into it. For our next home I'm seriously considering finding something at least 5 years old that has all of the initial maintenance done for it.
Also take preventative measures so you can do less maintenance. We are going to have a whole house humidifier installed soon. Our new house is so "tight" because of energy efficient windows and such, that in the winter when the heat is on there is very little humidity in the house. This causes all sorts of cracking/squeaking and such from things warping, plus additional health/comfort issues.
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