Things to Look For When Viewing a Home

Fuel

What runs the home? Is there a propane tank or natural gas? If there is propane, is the tank owned or leased and if so, by whom? Do I want propane included in the purchase price?

Waterfront

Is it on water? If so, has the listing agent checked to see if it is located in a flood plain? How deep is it at the end of the pier? What kind of shoreline does it have?

Utilities / Internet

As a buyer you can contact local companies for averages.

Septic

How old is the septic? What type and size is it? Is it in the maintenance program?

ADDITIONS & UPDATES

Any improvements or renovations made since the home was last purchased?

Basement

Be certain to look and smell for moisture in the basement.

Windows

Be certain to look at the windows. Are they original?

Construction

Do you know what type of construction it is? This can be important for financing.

LOT LINES

Survey, corners, zoning, etc. Is there a recent survey on file?

Well

Is it a drilled or point driven well? If applicable, this is very important for financing.

Mechanicals

Heating, cooling, ventilation, plumbing, etc. Do we know the age of any of the components?

Treatments

Are all the fixtures and window treatments remaining?

Ceiling & Fixtures

Remember to look up!

Roof

Make sure to look at the roof.

Fireplace

If there is a fireplace, has it been used recently?

Plumbing

Be certain to look at the plumbing.

Access Road

Is there a shared drive or easement road? If so, be certain to ask if there is a road maintenance agreement and how expenses are shared. This is also important for financing.

Storage

Kitchen-storage and space for “stuff”. Are the storage units fixed or movable?