Houses sell every day in this world, people are always moving, looking for something different, and spending lots of time and money in the process. Whether you’re in dire need of a move, or just perusing the market, I think it’s agreeable across the board that having a chance to try out your new place would be ideal. Well, here is your chance; this is a guide to help you understand just how you too can take a test drive of your dream house.
Not every home is a brand new Maserati, and buyers and sellers know this. A solid strategy would be, just like a car, take it to a mechanic. Or bring your own, to the home. You can either memorize some tips and tricks about home care, such as septic system health or basic plumbing, or bring your own maintenance professional. Obviously you’ll need to clear this with your real estate agent first. But this is usually an acceptable practice.
The idea isn’t to get hung up on the details though; you might find that while the home is completely up to code, it doesn’t meet you on an emotional level. HGTV took this concept one step further in 2008, home buyers would pick between two homes and choose one which they would stay in for 24 hours. British TV had a similar program in 2003, and while both series showed the gamut of trials and tribulations homeowners must go through to choose an ideal house, the problems usually to do with appliances above anything else. Of course spending a few nights in a home that isn’t yours might irk some buyers, and is maybe an extreme measure.
There are many things to consider when buying a home, and as you will learn online, older homes have different problems than newer homes. Keep in mind; lead based paints are known to be hazardous, but easily detectable via modern testing kits. This all too common practice brings us to something else that was unavoidable in early 19th century home construction: air flow. The cracks and gaps in most of these houses, as an honest resident will tell you, equates to an open window in the house. In a city with harsh winters, you could see yourself freezing or expecting a hefty power bill for the season. In addition to this, there is a lack of modern insulation that causes almost 75% of heat loss. Of course you’ll enjoy a cooler summer, but that’s if you make it through the winter.
Make sure you and your realtor understand the state’s guidelines for buying and selling home with various needs such as septic, insulation and so on. Understanding the age and era your home was built in can help discover problems early on, some septic systems can last up to thirty or forty years if they’re well maintained. So get out there and test drive your new home today, just don’t lose the keys!
