Buying a House is an exciting time, however one thing many potential buyers don’t realize is that there are certain things you should look for pending on when you’ll be house hunting. There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong time to purchase a home, however, if you plan on buying a house this Fall or Winter, here are a few things you should be sure to look for prior to placing an offer.
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Drainage
One of the things that many buyers who purchase in the warmer and drier months fail to check is the potential for poor drainage. Luckily when buying a house in the Fall or Winter if any part of the home or the property has any drainage issues it may be more apparent or easily visible. Drainage problems can lead to a multitude of problems, from standing water, cracking concrete, breeding grounds for pests, etc. so make sure to look for any puddles, standing water or low points throughout the property so you can understand any drainage issues prior to purchase.
Gutters
If the home has gutters, what kind of condition are they in? While you’ll want to check that the gutters are intact and attached to the home properly, checking for any clogs or areas where debris build up is common are great ways to ensure that the gutters are draining properly, as well as prepare you for any areas that may need extra attention throughout the year to help avoid future clogs.
Mature Trees
While mature trees often add a stunning visual appearance or boost your curb appeal, if the trees are too mature, have rot or other diseases, or are too close to the home, you may risk the tree falling in the future which could cause damage to the home. Likewise, if you find a questionable tree and choose to remove the tree prior to move in, you’ll be looking at tree removal expenses. While this is both a problem in the dry summer months and the Fall/Winter, often windstorms in the cooler months are easy ways for older trees to fall.
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Black Mold
It’s no secret that moisture can lead to mold growth, and while mold can grow all year round, the wetter months are more prone to exponential mold growth, especially in areas where moisture can be trapped easily. One of the most common places you’ll find mold in cooler temperatures is in the windowsills. Make sure to inspect each window when buying a house, as well as the underside of sinks, showers, bathtubs etc. to make sure that the areas have stayed dry or been cleaned regularly to avoid the dangers of mold accumulation.
If you’re currently searching for a new home, are ready to sell your home and need a qualified seller’s agent, or if you have any further questions regarding Carolina Real Estate, please feel free to contact our office at any time.