Anytime you buy a new home, you are taking over any repair and maintenance issues that the previous owner left or that they may have not even known about. With a newer home, you understandably expect the home to be in reasonably good condition, but an older home may have years or even decades of deferred maintenance and repair issues that require attention. Otherwise, they could grow into much more significant problems. If you are considering purchasing an older home, walk through these steps to avoid unpleasant issues in the future.
Review Your Inspection Report
Your mortgage company likely requires you to get a home inspection and it’s crucial that you do when purchasing an older home. This report is a great starting point for creating a to-do list for your home and maybe even negotiating points with the seller. The list may be lengthy, so consider creating a schedule for yourself to complete these tasks in stages.
Schedule Service on Your HVAC System
One item that you should not overlook is the HVAC system. You likely do not know the current condition of your system or when it was last serviced. A poorly maintained furnace or HVAC can be a danger to you in some cases, and it may also cause unnecessarily high repair bills going forward. Scheduling service is a great way to restore your system to prime condition.
Clean the Air Ducts
You also may not be aware of the condition of your air ducts or when they were last cleaned. Remember that dirty air ducts can negatively impact air quality and can even cause health issues. In addition, air ducts that are severely dirty may even result in unnecessary wear on your HVAC system.
Get a Mold Inspection
Some sellers who know about previous water leaks and other issues inside the home may do their best to conceal these events and damaged areas before listing a home for sale. However, when leaks and other issues are not properly remedied, mold growth can develop. Mold can spread throughout the home to cause a very expensive issue. If you have not already schedule a mold test, make sure you do so before signing on the dotted line.
While there are more concerns about repair and maintenance issues when you buy a home, you may also find that your older home has exceptional character that you love. Simply walk through these steps with your real estate agent to ensure you don’t miss a beat on your dream home. If you still need an agent to help you through the buying process, reach out and we’ll connect you with an expert in your neighborhood.
