Many of our clients purchase houses with prior issues that cost a hefty price. Here are some things to look out for when buying a house
- One of the most costly repairs a house has to undergo could be a roof problem. Always carry a ladder and climb up to the roof to see if there are any visual wear and tear that need to be repaired. not only that, check to see if there is any water damage under the roof when looking at rooms.
- Don’t judge a house based on how nice it looks. Cosmetic repairs are fairly cheap and often try to cover up structural or any type of problem that may be underneath. Always try to look at a house’s structure instead of the pain job in the room
- Check to see if the heating units seem to be in working condition. this can also be a costly repair when landlords have to replace entire heating systems. If it looks rickety or old then it probably is not up to par, take that into account when purchasing a home.
- One of the most common issues in Philadelphia is Plumbing problems. The city is doing the best they can to fix pipes that are laid out in the street, but before purchasing a house see if the main drain by the curb is clogged on any other houses on the block. if 9/10 houses have visual plumbing problems then the one you are looking at most likely has one too.
- Check out the land beforehand, see if the neighborhood has any noticeable problems. whether it be trees uprooting concrete sidewalks or many houses on the block that are empty or abandoned. These are signs that the block has not been taken care of and this might deter tenants from renting your property and its because of things out of your control.
These are just a few tips on what to look out for, however this is not everything. At Iss Management we have an extensive checklist on what to look out for when going to a property and will even tell you approximately what its worth so you would not be taken advantage of.