Strolling through homes is the fun part, so much so that we often loose track of our purpose:
Take a notebook.
Record the address, price, number of bedrooms and baths plus your impressions. If not working with a real estate agent record the owner's phone number.
Does the Seller have any "soft spots?"
---would she prefer selling to someone who will care for her rose garden ?
Don't forget the basics...
look for the following problems and make notes:
Water pressure: Turn on faucets on the top floor. Make sure water flow is adequate.
Heating and Air: If summer, is it cool on the top floor? If winter, is it warm on the ground floor?
Moisture: water stains on ceilings, damp basement walls or musty odors are all signs of possible water damage.
Cracks in plaster walls might mean nothing, but all cracks should be investigated by a professional, especially cracks around fireplaces or in foundation walls.
Uneven floors: floors that are not level could mean the house is sinking. It might have done all its settling in the first year and has been stable since, but have it checked.
Loose doors: Look for light coming in, around, and under exterior doors. These might need insulation or refitting.
Alignment: Doors not perfectly vertical. If you can see more space between a door and its frame at one end than at the other, the door is installed improperly and will eventually stick or fail to lock.
Sticky doors & windows: Hard to open windows are not a serious problem, but it's a good negotiation point. Ask for a few hundred dollars off the price or some other concession from the seller.
Tilted stairways: Like uneven floors, tilted stairways indicate movement in the foundation. Make a note and discuss with your inspector.
Control your emotions!
Excited oohs and aahs tell the Seller you will buy her house at any price.
Never say the following within hearing distance of the Seller
"this is the best house we've seen at this price..."
"we can easily afford this.."
"...this house needs no work.."
Any of the above statements leaves the Buyer at a disadvantage during negotiations
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Copyright Jan. 2006 by Audrie.com Corporation
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