Questions to Ask Before Buying a House
Buying a house in Denver is no small investment right now! Make sure you ask these questions before buying a house, so you can be sure your home is worth the cost.
1) Will the windows need to be replaced?
New windows can set you back upwards of $15,000 - and come winter, you’ll definitely be noticing those drafts and leaks. Before buying a house, make sure all of the windows shut and seal properly, aren’t cracked, and don’t look old or in disrepair.
2) What’s the position and quality of the trees?
Will a bad storm knock that gorgeous oak onto your roof? Is there a huge tree blocking the view from half the house? Do any of the trees look rotted or like they may have to be cut down? Removing a tree can cost anywhere from $400-$1,500, so consider the foliage before buying a house.
3) Any signs of pests?
Can you imagine the absolute horror of buying a house only to find that you have mice or roaches? Check around for mouse droppings, open cabinets, and check moist areas where pests like to hide, even pull out the fridge and check behind it! A pest control plan can cost you upwards of $40 a month - avoid that extra cost by checking for pests before buying a house.
4) Are there sidewalks?
Don’t get so caught up in how fabulous the neighborhood is that you don’t notice the lack of sidewalks! No sidewalks means nowhere for your kids to ride bikes or scooters off the road, nowhere for you to run, nowhere for you to even stand while weed whacking.
5) Is it too old?
Obviously, no house will be perfectly upgraded, especially if you’re looking for something on the cheaper end of the spectrum. Flipping a complete fixer-upper is not for everyone, though. A few projects here and there can be fun and can go a long way to making your house feel like home, but a complete overhaul can be overwhelming. How much will all those upgrades and refurbishments cost in the long run? Do you honestly have the time to take on a home that needs some TLC? Before buying a home full of projects, really consider what you’re actually taking on.
6) Does the house smell weird?
If you smell funk, LEAVE. No matter what you tell yourself, you can’t just ‘air out’ a house in a weekend after you move in. Bad smells can also indicate mold or mildew, meaning the home will have water problems. On the other hand, if the home is full of really strong nice flavors, that can indicate that the owners are trying to cover up bad smells. A home for sale should smell like nothing. Use your nose before buying a house, or you may end up with a home that smells wrong for as long as you live there.
7) What do the cars in the neighborhood look like?
I’m not talking about brands or how fancy and shiny the cars are! If the cars around the neighborhood are broken and run-down, you can safely assume that the neighborhood will also be run-down. People who maintain and care for their cars, regardless of model or year, are the sort of people who also maintain their houses and the sort of people you want to be living around.
8) How much are utilities?
Calling ahead to the utility companies can give you a great idea of what the average utility costs of the neighborhood are. This will help you develop your budget and determine what you actually can afford, all in. There are a lot of expenses people forget about. If you can nail down the utilities before buying a house, you’ll be able to make a more well informed choice. Looking to add some personal touches to your new home? Check out our list of the best accent rugs available!
