Home Buyer Concerns

When buying a home, it is a good idea to seek out issues before getting into a contract. Here are a few items to look for when considering a home.

Foundation: If a home has foundation issues, it may have cracks going up the brick or mortar, as well as an uneven feeling when walking through it. However, if these issues have been addressed by the former owner having the foundation stabilized with piers, typically the foundation company offers a transferable warranty which can be switched into the buyer's name at closing. Many buyer's are nervous buying a home that has had foundation piering, however, usually those fears are unfounded. Most reputable foundation companies like Allied Foundation, for instance, have good reputations for quality work and stand behind it.

However, if the foundation issues haven't been addressed, you need to contact a foundation company for an estimate (usually free of charge) to assess damage. Sometimes it can be a minimal amount to fix the problem, however, there are instances where it affects the plumbing underneath the home and that can be quite costly.

Termites: Another item of concern is termite infestation. Now, part of the inspection process is a termite inspection. If the home has or had termites, not only does the inspector check for infestation, he also checks for damage. Termites can do thousands of dollars of damage to a home in a relatively short time span.

Other issues such as electrical and plumbing concerns can be addressed by simply asking for a home warranty. These are commonplace and are fairly inexpensive. A home warranty can give the buyer peace of mind to know that most unexpected issues that may arise can be addressed by the warranty for the first year, with the ability to extend indefinitely if the buyer so chooses.

The bottom line is, when looking for a home, always be on the lookout for problem areas. While most homes do not have the issues mentioned, or if they have been addressed, you can still feel secure in your decision to purchase. Remember, always get a home inspection as that is usually your best defense against problems.

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