Is It All Just Cosmetic?

The first thing to look at with a flip or remodeled home is the age of the major systems. Don’t get blinded by the pretty new paint, a modern kitchen, or the fresh landscaping. If the big systems are beyond their life expectancy you will be replacing them soon.

As a home inspector we also get to see these homes 5 to 10 years after the remodels and flips. We get to see things that the original contractors never get to see. Some contractors think we are nit picking when we call out things that they think are no big deal. They may be right that right now they are not a big deal. But after 5 years it becomes a bigger deal. After 10 years its turned into a bona fide problem that needs to be addressed.

Not the Same Security as an Existing Home

All remodeled homes, flipped homes, and even brand new construction need a little bit of a shakeout period to see how everything is working. There is nothing better than a family living in a home to break in all the plumbing, appliances, and finishes.

With a remodel or with a flip you don’t get that kind of security. There are usually no warranties or guarantees on the work that has been done. Once you own the home it can be tough, maybe even impossible, to get the original contractor back. If the owner did the work themselves you are probably out of luck.

Don’t walk away just because your dream house is a remodel or flip. Pay close attention to the details and look beyond the cosmetics. By being careful you can avoid making an offer on a potential money pit.

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All Real Estate is Local

The saying, ‘All real estate is local’ is a time tested adage. When you are house hunting websites like Zillow and Trulia can give you lots of homes to look at online and in your price range. But that is not the whole story.

An experienced Realtor knows local. They know the neighborhoods and the types of neighbors you can expect. They know how close the grocery store is and they especially know the schools.

The truth is that you need someone that you can trust to help guide you along your journey. You need someone with experience and you need someone who wants you to have a good home buying and owning experience.

The Value of a Realtor

The true value of good Realtor is not just helping you find the right home for you. Their value becomes obvious once you start negotiating the purchase contract. Their guidance and advice through the whole purchase process makes it easier on you the buyer.

Once your offer has been accepted, it is time for the home inspection. Most professional Realtors have a few home inspectors they know and trust. Listen to their advice and make your own choices. After the home inspection has been done your Realtor will help guide you through the repair request and finally to the closing.

The trick is to find the right person. If you already know and trust someone who happens to be a Realtor you are all set. If not, ask around. Your friends and associates are the best people to refer a good one. Still no luck? Go to some open houses and talk to the Realtors there. That gives you a chance to see if they are a good fit for you.

The post Trust your Realtor, or Find One You Can appeared first on Louisville Home Inspections.

Most of the big systems in a home have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. That is usually a surprise to my home inspection clients. The roof, furnace, air conditioning, and water heater all last around 15 to 20 years. That doesn’t mean every air conditioner quits working at exactly 15 years. It means that after 15 to 20 years, more than likely, you will be replacing it in the very near future. I know it sounds crazy but it seems to work out that way.

I like to compare it to a car with 100,000 miles. Plenty of cars keep running after 100,000 or even 150,000 miles. They don’t just break down and die on the side of the road. But you can count on them needing repairs pretty often. You can keep making the repairs to keep them running but sooner than later, it’s going to be time to trade for a newer model

Most of the big systems in a home are the same thing. Once they hit 15 to 20 years old they don’t just quit. They may have a few more years in them but be careful. Plan on making repairs every year or so until they finally get replaced.

Home Warranties can be nice to get you through the 1st year you own a new home. Especially if everything is near or past the 15 to 20 year old mark. Just don’t put too much faith in them to get you new equipment. Most equipment can be repaired. Warranties can be great to get that done for cheap but it will just buy you a little more time.

If you are lucky not everything will need to be replaced at the same time. That can make any dream home look like a money pit. Make sure some things have been updated you are looking at a 15 to 20 year old home. Plan to update the rest while you own the home.

The post How Long Will Your Home Last? appeared first on Louisville Home Inspections.