Top 6 Moneypits To Look Out For When Buying!

Here is our expert advisor Rob Brown's list of the Top 6 Moneypits to look out for when buying a home!

1. HVAC: This is a critical part of the comfort of your new home.  It covers the heating and air conditioning.  I recommend having this inspected to make sure it will be in good running condition for years to come.  They are expensive to replace with the average price starting at $5,000.00.  A lot of homes have more than one unit.  Some homes have intricate systems that are very costly to repair or replace if they are not functioning correctly.

The big things that we look for is if the heat exchange is in good shape for the heating unit.  On the air conditioning side we want to make sure the compressor is functioning correctly on the condenser, and to make sure the unit has the correct amount of refrigerant in the system and that it does not have any leaks.

2. Termites:  This is a very important item to look at in the warmer climates.  A lot of folks moving here from the north are unaware of this crucial step.  Here in the South we can get termite infestations in anything made of wood.  Of course our homes are a big part of that.  We recommend having a termite inspector look over your home before closing to make sure there is no damage from pests.  This can be very costly and cause a lot of stress trying to repair.  If you are getting a VA loan it is mandatory!!

3. Radon:  Another item I always recommend my clients to test for is radon.  Radon is a gas that is caused by the rocks decomposing under your home.  Granite and metamorphic rocks contain uranium and when decomposing they cause radon. It is not in every house and not in every neighborhood.  But that is why we test for it.  Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country second only to smoking.  If radon is detected we would recommend putting in a radon remediation system which consists of a fan and piping to get rid of the ground air before entering the home.

4. Foundation:  A big part of your home that we look out for is the foundation to your home.  We recommend checking for wood rot, bug infestation damage, cracks, water damage, and stability.  Your home sits on the foundation and if there is any sort of damage or issues it can cause major issues win the entire home.  Sometimes you will have some minor cracking in the concrete, or discolored wood which may be normal and acceptable.  But I would always recommend having a trained professional look at any potential issues.

5. Mold/Water:  This can be a very big and costly problem with any home.  Mold can be very dangerous to breathe in.  Mold is caused by water and heat which should not mix inside your home.  If there has been any sort of water leak or water penetration there is a good chance that mold will develop there.  Again, this can be very costly to fix the leaking water and then remediate the mold.  Of course you also do not want to breathe in any mold in your new home.

6. Roof:  The roof of your home serves a critical part of your safety and comfort in your new home.  It covers your home and makes sure that no weather of any sort enters the home.  When looking at a roof we check for possible areas of leakage, shingle life span, and any signs of damage.  Typically you can expect a minimum of 20 years out of your shingles.  This again is a costly repair that starts at $6000.00!

These are the big things to look at when shopping for a new home.  I have a great background in HVAC and construction and spend a great deal of time with my clients inspecting all of this.  If I see a potential issue then I will recommend a professional come and inspect further.  I want to make sure my clients are buying a great home that they can enjoy, not a money pit they will hate!


Rob Brown

Dana Ben Realty Group/Keller Williams Preferred

Rob@DanaBenRealty.com

315-406-9183