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An Introduction To Air Compressors
Air compressors are widely used among American manufacturers, industries and are often valuable components in automotive functions. Air compressors are typically available as both gas and electrically powered devices. It usually costs quite a bit to...
How To Choose A Freezer For Home
The average household freezer is a silent slave. It operates year in and year out, requiring nothing other than a constant supply of electricity. Eventually, though it may need to be replaced. The following are a few considerations that will allow...
My Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs! - Solution
What causes my hot water to smell like rotten eggs?
My cold water doesn't smell, what is the solution for this problem?
The most common cause of "smelly water" is a non-toxic sulfate reducing bacteria, scientifically termed Divibrio...
The Logic of Emotion!
Homebuyers are an interesting study. Watching people make their home buying decisions has brought me to the conclusion that every decision that every one of us makes is based in emotion. You heard me, it's all about the emotion. Before you deny...
This Winter, Provide Water For The Birds
Even the most novice bird watcher places a bird feeder out in winter, what strikes me, is the number of experienced bird watchers who do not provide water for the birds during winter.
The energy expanded looking for a fresh water source could be...
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Why You Must Get An Inspection Before Buying A House!
If you’re in the process of house hunting, here’s a tip that you should pay careful attention to:
Whether you are considering buying a brand new house, and older house in good shape, or a handyman special, get the house inspected before closing the sale.
An inspection will cost you a few hundred dollars, but the knowledge you will gain – and the money you can possibly save – are a wise investment!
While a home inspection is recommended by any good realtor, anyone who has been through the house buying process knows that a home inspection is very important. In general (and it may be different in your state) home inspectors are NOT licensed contractors.
So, while they will look at the overall condition of your electrical, plumbing, and carpentry, you might want to consider hiring a licensed contractor or engineer to do your home inspection. It’s more expensive, but if major problems exist – ones that most people could not identify – it will more than pay for itself.
AT THE VERY LEAST, if you see potential problems, hire a plumber, electrician, and carpenter to give you an estimate for any possible repairs. Some will do this for a small fee, some will do it free, but either way, it will be well worth the peace of mind!
If there are any problems with the house, ask the seller to fix them.
The seller is NOT required to fix them, so if they say no, you need to decide whether you want to fix them yourself (and if you can even afford to fix them). Or if you want to call off the deal and look for a new house (but make sure to consult with your lawyer first!). These inspections cost money, but major surprises can cost you much, much more!
Make sure you look OUTSIDE the house as well.
Have the septic inspected, have the well inspected, look around the yard and check out the entire property. Don’t overlook anything that might cost you money later on.
Ask the sellers for service records of any appliances that will stay with you, such as the furnace, central air conditioning, etc.
Finally, get YOUR own inspector, not one connected with the realtor.
And as with any major contract, ask the inspector for references first, and contact them. Also, make sure your inspector is licensed by the state in which you are buying the house
(most states require this licensing, but better to be safe). This may help you later on if there are any problems.
It’s YOUR money.
And YOUR house.
So do EVERYTHING you can to avoid paying any more money than you have to!
During the inspection, walk through the house with the inspector. Watch everything that the inspector “inspects” (and does not inspect) and ask as many questions as you want to learn as much as you can about the house.
Look at everything – little and big – such as outlets, switches, faucets, small areas, phone lines, etc. The inspector might take a quick look at these items, but make sure everything works – all light switches, outlets, etc. If not, have the inspector put it on the report.
After the inspection, you should receive a written report. Make sure you read between the lines of the inspection report - and take your time reading the fine print. The sellers will want a response within a few days, and you don’t want to miss the deadline.
But at the same time, take your time reading through the report!
You would think that items that should be addressed would be highlighted, but that’s not always the case.
So take your time, and read the report thoroughly!
If ANYTHING is broken, or even questionable, consider hiring a specialist – for the chimney, pool, central air, etc. – many professionals will come out for free to take a look at the items, and give you a quote!
Even if the sellers don’t agree to fix all the problems (which is likely, so don’t worry) it’s better for you to know, and avoid costly surprises after you move in!
About the Author: Kris Bickell is the owner of HouseBuying-Tips.com, a site that helps first time home buyers avoid the costly mistakes that many new homebuyers make. For more tips on buying a house, getting a mortgage, finding a realtor, and getting out of debt, sign up for the free “How To Avoid These 10 Costly Mistakes When Buying Your First Home” email course at: http://www.HouseBuying-Tips.com/. © 2005 HouseBuying-Tips.com
Source: www.isnare.com
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