When shopping for a new home, you may feel pressured to jump straight in and make an offer on the first house you like. This is not a great idea. Before you make offers on any homes for sale, it’s important to evaluate carefully the space and bring in experts if necessary, as appearances can sometimes be deceiving. There are, of course, some smaller factors worth overlooking, like outdated appliances or tacky paint choice. Other things can be true deal breakers, however, and if they’re overlooked, your new home can become a money pit. Here are some of the biggest deal breakers to consider when looking at Houses for Sale in Greene County VA for sale.
Roofs
Well-maintained roofs can last over 30 years, but shoddy installation and cheap shingles and tiles will have you replacing your roof much sooner than that. Make sure to ask the seller how old the roof is and have it inspected to make sure the drainage systems are working well. You’ll also want to look out for dry rot, which can cause crumbling or sagging. Having to replace a roof can cost between $10,000 and $30,000.
Flood Zones
Even if a house isn’t next to a beach or lake doesn’t mean it can’t be at risk for flooding. Buying a property in a flood zone can mean a drastic increase in insurance costs, as well as added difficulties selling the home in the future. When considering the choices of homes for sale, plug the address into FEMA’s map database or look up flood zones at the offices of the local municipality. You can also talk to neighbors or local authorities about what areas flood.
Plumbing
Not all plumbing problems are immediately evident, although things like water stains and mildew can be good indicators. Sewer lines in some parts of the country haven’t been repaired or updated in 100 years, so it’s important to know what you’re dealing with before you purchase a home. While you’re touring the house, make sure to run the water in the bathrooms and kitchen, and flush the toilets to see how they drain. Check the condition of the water heater as well. These are all important steps, as a major sewer line or septic tank repair could set you back between $25,000 and $50,000.