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Prospective House Conditions

 

When viewing a home there are some very important things to look out for, the primary one being the condition of the property.

Is the Home Structurally Sound?

Walk around checking the walls and ceilings for big cracks. Hairline cracks are to be expected in some places. Make sure you check the exterior for cracks. Cracks could be a sign that the property is not structurally sound. Points at which extensions join are good places to look, as cracks often occur there. 

Also look for loose or broken tiles on the roof or broken guttering, evidence of damage to the drywall and weaknesses on the floors.

Any signs of a problem anywhere on the structure of the property should be questioned about what caused it.

How long has it been like that?

Will it be fixed?

Furniture or accessories like rugs could be hiding wall cracks or problems with the floor, so again, don’t forget to look behind furniture or move them around if necessary.

You might love the house, but if you see major cracks or any of the walls look like they are bowing, you should have a structural engineer come in and take a look.

Watch out for Mold
Mold is a major problem that could cost you a lot to fix. Don’t just try to look for it, use your nose as well.

Mold frequently gives off a musty smell, even when there are no visible signs.

Plaster that’s flaking, watermarks on walls or ceilings, even a fresh coat of paint in a particular section of a room could all be an indication of mold.

Don’t forget to examine the ceiling and around the skirting boards properly for evidence of leaks or water damage.

Heating, Air Conditioning and Electrics
Other aspects to consider when looking at the general condition of the property are the heating and air conditioning systems.

Have an expert assess that they are the appropriate models and capacity, and that they are working properly.

Check the fuse box, it shouldn’t be old or outdated, must be easily accessible, and in good working condition. Ensure wiring was done properly. You don’t want to spend a fortune rewiring the home to bring it up to a standard.

Consider if there are enough power outlets and if they are in good condition.

Basements and Attics
Also check the attic for water problems, look for water damage or leaks that may have affected the insulation, walls and ceiling of the attic. And while you’re at it, make sure that the insulation is adequate for where the property is located.

In the basement, look for evidence of moisture problems in the home. Is there water leaking onto the floor or water around the foundation? There should be no cracks in the basement walls and any wood such as those in exposed beams should be in good condition with no rot.

Pipes and Taps
Check that the plumbing is up to date. Run taps to ensure they work properly and the water pressure is strong enough. Exposed pipes in unheated areas should be insulated, as frozen pipes will eventually cause water damage.

It is particularly important from a health perspective to ascertain that the pipes are not lead. If they are, you will need to replace them. Also, find out where the hot water tank is located. If it is on the roof you may need to replace it, as it is probably an old tank.

Exterior
Check for evidence of water around the foundation which may indicate drainage issues.

The ground should slope away from the foundation. If there is a porch, it should have a foundation and not simply sit on soil. Check that driveways or any walkways leading up to the house do not have cracks and are not crumbling.

Check that the siding of the home is in good repair. Take a look at the landscaping on the property as well. It shouldn’t be unkempt and unsightly, as that can indicate a lack of care.

The sprinkler system should be in proper working condition. If there is a deck, ensure there’s no decay or damage from termite or beetles. 

Property History
Don’t just settle for the information contained in the customer copy of listings. Ask your agent for more detailed info.

How long has the property been on the market?

Was it previously listed, withdrawn and relisted for a lower price?

These kinds of questions can help you decide how much to offer.

You also need other detailed information on the property, most of which will be available from the public records.

Public records will show you the name of the owner, original age of the home, mortgage history, parcel number, previous sales of the property, property deeds and any judgments or liens filed against the seller.

Information about how much the property taxes are and whether they are paid or in arrears will also be available in the records.

You will also be able to see if there were permits obtained to make improvements on the home. These permits could complicate the sale of the property.

Do not skip this search, because it reveals important information about the property you are interested in and could save you money.

You can get all of this information through your agent if you’re using one, since most agents subscribe to services that give them access to such data.
 
If you are not using an agent, then you can obtain this information through a local title company or you can order them online for a small fee.
 

 

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Ricardo Medeiros
Broker

Contact Information

E-mail Address:
info@soldbyricardo.ca

Office Phone:
(905) 270-2000

Cell Phone:
4168541325

Recent Blog Posts

Paperwork to Get Together in Preparation for Selling your Home

When preparing your home for sale, you need to fix things up, declutter, perhaps slap a fresh coat of paint on a few walls. That’s all part of getting your property ready for buyers.

But there’s another type of preparation that you also need to do. And, the sooner you do it, the less stressful your move will be.

You need to get all your paperwork together.

Here’s what to gather:
 

  • Property documents such as deeds, easements, surveys, liens, etc.
  • Mortgage documents, plus any other loans (i.e., line of credit) that use the property as collateral.
  • Maintenance and service agreements that may continue with the new owners.
  • Warranties and guarantees that are transferrable to the new owners.
  • Recent utility bills, such as water, electricity, etc.
  • Rentals (i.e., water heater rental.)
  • Home security agreements and codes.
  • Contracts for any work done on an ongoing basis. For example,
         lawn maintenance.

 
Getting these records together early will ensure you’re not scrambling at the last minute to find them. Some of these documents, such as warranties, also make for attractive selling features.

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“Non-Market” Reasons Why it Might Be the Ideal Time to Sell

When considering whether or not to sell their home, many people think about market conditions. They consider whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market. They look at trends. They try to time the sale to get the best price for
their property.

While market conditions certainly can play a role in deciding whether you should sell now rather than later, many other factors can influence that decision too.

For example, you might have outgrown your home and need more space. Perhaps you need an extra bedroom or a larger kitchen. If you wait until market conditions are perfect, you may languish for months — or even years — in a home that’s too small for you.

The same can be said for downsizing.

Another “non-market” reason you might want to sell your home sooner rather than later is the neighbourhood. Is there another community more suited to your lifestyle that you want to get into? If it’s a particularly desirable area, you don’t want to wait too long to make a move. If you do, you might lose some good opportunities.

There’s also the emotional side of the decision to consider. You might simply want to move for no other reason than you need a change. That’s as good a reason as any to put up the For Sale sign and find your next dream home.

Other non-market reasons for selling include:
 

  • Wanting a shorter commute to work.
  • Desiring a different style of neighbourhood. (Rural rather than urban.)
  • A change in family situation.
  • Living closer to relatives and friends.
  • Wanting a particular property feature, such as a backyard with
    mature trees.

 
The point is, don’t just consider market conditions when deciding to sell. Look at all the reasons and then move forward with confidence. After all, you can sell and buy in any market.

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How to Determine the Best Features of your Home

What is it about your property that stands out? What will buyers like most about it? What are your home’s most enticing features?
 
Answering those questions will help you determine which features to emphasize when selling your home. After all, you want buyers to notice and appreciate your property’s best characteristics.
 
But here’s the challenge...
 
It can be difficult to determine which features of your home are particularly desirable to buyers. You live there! So, there might be a fantastic characteristic of your property that you’ve gotten used to. You might not even realize its value.
 
One way to gain perspective is to ask friends, “What is it about our property that you like most? What stands out to you?” Ask them to be candid. Often, they’ll reveal characteristics about your home that may surprise you. You’ll definitely gain insights that will help you when listing.
 
Another technique is to compare your property to others in the neighbourhood. Buyers often target neighbourhoods, so realizing how your home stands out can be helpful when marketing it. For example, your property might have a larger backyard than most others on the street, or it might have a lot of recent upgrades.
 
Another way to discover your home’s most attractive features is to talk to me. I can tell you what buyers will like most about your property.

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