What We Are Looking At When We Show You A Home
Most buyers walk through a home looking at countertops and pant colors. Smart buyers look at the stuff that actually costs money.
Here’s our checklist:
The water heater. Look at the label on the tank, Find the manufacture date. Water heaters last 10-12 years. If it’s older, that’s $1,500-$3,000 coming out of your pocket soon. We can use this information in negotiations.
Ceiling stains. Look up. Brown or yellow stains mean water, It could be plumbing or a roof leak. Either way, you’re looking at $3K-$15K depending on the source. Ask when it happened and when it was fixed.
The HVAC unit, Find the manufacture date outside. HVAC systems last 15-20 years. Replacement runs $8K-$15K. If it’s on borrowed time, negotiate a credit or maybe a home warranty.
The windows. Single or double pane? What brand are they? Any recalls? Is it foggy between the glass-this could mean the seal is broken.
Foundation cracks. Check the stem wall outside for any type of major cracks. This could be structural and something to avoid with Arizona’s expansive soil.
Grading around the foundation and stem wall. Walk the exterior, The ground and water sources should slope away from the house.
All of these items would be visible to the eye, however, that s also why we hire a professional Home Inspector to advise us on their findings.
The pretty stuff is easy to see. The expensive stuff is hiding in plain sight.