Buying a home is exciting, and after walking through hundreds of homes with buyers over the years, I’ve learned the things people fall in love with first usually aren’t the things that matter most. Beautiful kitchens and updated bathrooms are great, but they shouldn’t distract you from the things that could become expensive surprises after closing.
When buying a home, you will likely have a list of needs and wants. But beyond those characteristics, what are some other things to look for when buying a house?
In this post, we’ll cover some of the common and not-so-common things to look for before buying a house.
Does the House Have Good “Bones”?
Everyone wants a beautiful home they are proud to show off, but sometimes a beautiful interior and great curb appeal do not equal a high-quality structure. Look beyond the facade to understand the inner workings of the property. One of the biggest mistakes I see buyers make is focusing on finishes before they’ve looked at the home’s structure. Structural issues are a much bigger conversation. Some items to consider include:
- Foundation – Not only should you look for cracks, gaps, and foundation damage in general, but you should also consider the type of foundation in the home. In Charlotte, many homes have a basement foundation made from poured concrete, but you may also find slab foundations and even permanent wood foundations in some cases.
- Roofing – Live in a home long enough, and you might eventually need to replace the roof. In Charlotte, many homes feature asphalt shingles, which usually last up to 30 years before needing attention. Other types of roofing, like metal roofs, are more durable and last even longer. Replacing a roof is a big undertaking, so finding a home with a newer roof could be a big win.
- Plumbing and HVAC – Similarly to roofing, the specific materials used in your home’s plumbing system could determine if and when it needs to be replaced. In Charlotte, we see homes with PEX, PVC, and copper pipes; each one has its own unique pros and cons. Several options for HVAC units, like geothermal, ductless, and hybrid systems, offer unique benefits and downsides you should also consider.
- Electrical – Depending on the age of the home you are looking at, you might see different electrical systems. Many older homes in Charlotte still use knob and tube wiring, which doesn’t have a ground wire, putting them at higher risk for shock or fire. A home with knob and tube wiring might be more difficult to insure.
Note: Some DIY projects are completely harmless. Others can create insurance, safety, or permitting issues that aren’t obvious during a showing. If something catches my attention, I’d much rather ask more questions than make assumptions.
There’s a lot to think about when buying a home in Charlotte. Read these posts next for a closer look:
- When is the Best Time to Buy a House?
- Who Pays for Title Search? The Buyer or the Seller?
- How to Buy a House Before Selling Yours
Surface-Level Items to Look For when Buying a Home
Many of the items listed above will be covered in the home inspection. You’re not usually crawling through crawlspaces to inspect the pipes during a house showing. However, while touring a property, or at an open house, here’s what to look for when viewing a house:
- Appliances – Does the home come with all the appliances? Are they in working order? Make note of any appliance not included with the home. You’ll need to purchase what isn’t included.
- Strong Odors – Any listing agent worth their salt will ensure any unpleasant odors are dealt with before any potential buyer sets foot in the home, so if you are touring a home and smell something suspect, that could be a pretty significant red flag.
- Water Damage – Although you might not be able to tell exactly what type of pipes are used in the home without an inspection, you will likely be able to see the aftermath of plumbing problems. Look for water stains on the ceilings, walls, and even inside cabinets and closets. Where there is water damage, there is usually mold.
Note: Also be on the lookout for shoddy or excessive painting. While we never want to think of someone trying to be deceitful, sometimes paint can be a quick fix to cover up damage.
One thing I pay attention to during every showing is whether little clues start adding up. One stain isn’t necessarily a problem. Multiple signs throughout the houes usually deserve a closer look.
Do you have more questions about buying your next home? Here are some more posts you might find helpful:
- What it Takes to Win in Charlotte’s Real Estate Market
- Questions to Ask a Realtor®: Your Guide for Buyers and Sellers
- Do You Need a Realtor® to Buy a House?
Things to Look For When Buying a House that You May Not Be Able to Change
Some things simply can’t be changed. A home’s location, proximity to schools and transit, lot size, neighbors; all of these things are mostly out of your control. However, just because you can’t change them doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider them.
Do you want to be within walking distance of a great school? Perhaps a rural home with a 45-minute bus route is not the right home for you. Do you want privacy, peace, and quiet? That rural home with no neighbors sounds a bit more appealing now.
I often tell buyers to picture an ordinary Tuesday instead of moving day. Where will you grab coffee? HOw long is the commute? Will you actually use that huge backyard? Those day-today details usually matter much more than people expect.
Charlotte, NC is a beautiful, diverse city with incredible neighborhoods. No matter what you’re looking for in the Queen City, there’s something perfect for you. Here are a few community posts to help you get to know Charlotte:
- Best Neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC
- Best Gated Communities in Charlotte, NC
- North Charlotte Vs. South End Charlotte: Comparing Neighborhoods, Lifestyle, and Homes
Home Inspection Checklist: When to Walk Away
If you’re not like me, and you don’t spend your days poring over home inspections, they might seem a little intimidating at first. A home inspector’s job is to find everything. Even the smallest flaws can look like huge red flags on a home inspection report.
So what should you look for in a home inspection? What are some deal breakers that will result in you walking away from your dream home? Your agent can guide you on the specifics, but some of the main glaring red flags include:
- Major health concerns like black mold or the presence of radon
- Sagging floors, depressed roofs, and sticky windows and doors could all point to a foundation that has shifted or is cracked/crumbling
- Significant pest problems like termites
- Sketchy DIY renovations and repairs done without the proper permits or professional care
This is by no means a comprehensive list, and just like everything in life, there can be some gray areas. Is a squirrel in the attic as serious as termites eating away at the frame? Is a homeowner expected to call a plumber every time they have a leaky faucet?
A home inspection isn’t about finding reasons to walk away. It’s about understanding what you’re buying and deciding which issues deserve a closer look. Sometimes an inspection answers every question. Other times, it tells us it’s time to bring in another expert before moving forward.
Are you ready to get the buying process started? The first step is booking a buyer’s consultation with a top Charlotte real estate agent here.
Your Trusted Charlotte Real Estate Agent is Your Eyes on the Ground
As local Charlotte Realtor®, you can imagine that we visit a lot of homes each year, and we look at a lot of home inspections. After walking through hundreds of homes each year, certain things can naturally stand out. Sometimes it’s something small. Sometimes it’s a pattern that deserves another opinion. My job isn’t to convince you to buy a house. My job is to make sure you have the information you need to make a confident decision.
Every buyer’s priorities are different, which means every strategy should be, too. If you’re thinking about buying in Charlotte, let’s talk through what matters most to you and build a plan that fits your goals.
Have questions that weren’t answered here? Want guidance tailored specifically to your buying goals? Reach out and send me your questions so I can focus directly on your needs:
I’ll help you navigate the Charlotte market, answer your questions in real time, and create a strategy that positions you to buy confidently and successfully.
Ashley Horton | Premier Sotheby’s International Realty | 704.975.5418 | ashley.horton@charlotteluxehomes.com
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