Once you have found a house you like, evaluate it carefully. What first appears to be a bargain might turn out to be a headache.
You should make a thorough inspection of the house, which we will refer to as a consumer home inspection. Your inspection of the house should not replace the professional home inspection. You do the consumer home inspection before making an offer to purchase a home. Once you conduct your own consumer home inspection and make a decision to buy a particular home, you will sign a contract and have the home you've selected professionally inspected. The professional home inspector gives you an objective and comprehensive report.
The following are some helpful hints and some important warnings when you are buying a home.
HELPFUL HINTS
When going through the house, carefully evaluate the inside to see if it fits your needs.
Check the room sizes and shapes to see if the home can be easily furnished.
Check the condition of wall surfaces. Be sure to check behind pictures, mirrors and furniture.
Check the ceilings for loose or cracked plaster. Look for ceilings that sag or have water stains.
Check the condition of the floors. Are they uneven, with sags and dips? Is the floor covering in good condition?
Check the condition of all the windows. Look for broken glass, rotted window casings. Do the windows open and close properly and seal tightly?
Check the condition of the exterior doors. Is there adequate weather-stripping? Do the doors close tightly, without air leaks? Are they warped or rotten?
Is the house secure from outside dangers? Do ground floor windows lock? Are doors solid, with strong locks? Are porch lights in working order?
Is there an adequate means of escape from all sleeping areas in case of an emergency?
Does the home have a sufficient number of electrical outlets and switches to meet your needs? Do they appear to be in safe working order? Are there exposed wires or broken fixtures?
Does the kitchen have adequate storage space and room for food preparation? Are there enough electrical outlets for appliances and a proper gas or electric hookup for your range/oven? Look under the sink for evidence of plumbing leaks.
Check the bathroom for leaks around fixtures and pipes. Check for dripping faucets and discoloration due to rust in pipes. Look for loose wall tiles. Does the bathroom have good ventilation?
Check the overall condition of the entire plumbing system. Look for leaks around rusty pipes. Check water pressure and hot water temperature.
Check the house for evidence of insect pests such as carpenter ants, termites, fleas and roaches.
Check the basement for dampness. Observe the floor joists for sagging or cracked beams. Look for any broken or frayed wiring.
Check the foundation and chimney for large cracks, loose blocks or bricks. Make sure the chimney is not leaning.
Check the water heater for age and condition.
We strongly recommend that you have the heating system checked by a professional. This could be the local utility company or a licensed heating contractor.
What is the amount of insulation in the ceiling and walls? It can make a big difference in the energy cost to heat the home.
Look at the roof. Does it sag? Are there any missing shingles? Are the shingles curled up? Are there rotten boards near the edge? Are the eaves, troughs and downspouts securely attached?
Check the exterior siding. Is it in good condition? Is there any chipping or peeling paint or exposed bare wood?
Check the condition of the sidewalks, driveways, decks and porches.
If the house has a well and/or septic system are they in good working order? Is there any history of malfunction?
Determine the property lines. If in doubt ask the seller to see a copy of the land survey.
Consider the neighborhood influences: location of schools, busy streets, industrial or commercial developments, condition of other homes in the immediate area.
Determine the amount of annual property taxes by applying the current rate to the sale price of the home. Call the local assessor's office to find out this rate.
Check with the local assessor's office to find out if there are any special assessments against the property.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
A homebuyer in Michigan should be aware that he/she is purchasing an existing home at his/her own risk.
A home financed through MSHDA is appraised by an independent fee appraiser to determine its market value. Your lender orders the appraisal. An attempt is also made to determine if the home has any obvious hazards and meets basic housing standards. However, none of these efforts in any way imply or provide any warranties or guarantees on the condition of the house. In addition, an appraisal does not replace the need for you to obtain a separate professional home inspection.
In many areas an optional home warranty may be purchased through real estate brokers or other private companies.
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