Looking for a house...

What are some of the key things to ask when looking for a home? We're checking out some open houses and aren't sure exactly what info to be asking (besides price and taxes, looking for more actual home related questions)

Re: Looking for a house...

Here's the list I have in my head (even though we just started, I'm the daughter of a contractor )....

1) What type of heat? Any recent repairs/replacements to heating system?

2) Last time furnace was cleaned?

3) Age of roof?

4) When windows were installed? By whom? (if it was installed by the owner and they're not qualified, leaks/insulation issues may come up)

5) Type of insulation?

If the home owner is there, I have balls and have no issue asking:

1) Casually: Why are you selling?

2) Average utility bills.

Re: Looking for a house...

1. Find out how old the roof is
2. Check out the windows - replacement windows will save you $ in heating bills

Here are the things we DIDNT ask about BUT WISH WE DID:

1. When was the furnace last cleaned/maintained? (we ended up needing to get a new furnace months after moving in)

2. When was your fireplace/chimney last cleaned/inspected? Our inspector somehow missed the fact that the chimney was separating from the house and there were 4 dead birds stuck between the firebox and the exterior of the house)

Re: Looking for a house...

Ask about people smoking in the house and the house training of pets. May sound silly but the previous owner hid the smell of smoke and dog urine. How I have no idea because I have a really good sense of smell as does our inspector. But she did (I am assuming with tips from her REA). I wonder if you can write into a contract that a house is to be free of smoke and animal excrement

Re: Looking for a house...

Age of roof
Kind of heat, heating system and age
(If in suffolk county) Sewer or cesspool?
Updated electric?
Look at condition of walls, floors, ceilings. Do they have to be replaced?
Age of windows?
School district?
Cosmetic updates: kitchen, bathroom, living areas?
Age of appliances?
Look at the layout. Does it work for your family for the next year? Five years? Ten years?
Look around at the neighborhood. Are the other homes well maintained?

Keep in mind paint colors, flooring, doors, cabinets, etc can be changed. Layout and location cannot. Good luck!!

Message edited 5/16/2009 8:58:06 AM.

Re: Looking for a house...

I would look for leaks/stains on the walls and ceiling. If you see or smell mold anywhere that is a bad sign. I was just at a house being sold next door to my aunts and the basement reeked of a moldy smell. I was like yuck and that turned me off right away.

Definitely look at the roof and the outside carefully for missing shingles or cracks in foundation/walls.

Also ask if there was any termites or bug issues at all and if it is inspected yearly. Good luck on your search.

Message edited 5/16/2009 1:47:54 PM.