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33 Home Buying Tips To Save You From
Costly Mistakes In Buying A Home...
Home Buying Guide By Noel Peebles
Home Buying Tip # 13
Is the roofing in good order, or does it need repairing, or replacing? Has the roof been carefully
maintained or are there water stains on the ceilings?
Does the roof complement the style of the home? Does it add to the home's visual appeal and its
resale value?
It may come as a surprise, but the color of the roof should be a consideration when buying a
house. Apart from the general look of the roof and how it matches with the rest of building, roof
color can affect energy efficiency in a home. In colder climates, a dark colored roof can be a good
option because it absorbs more heat. In temperate climates, a middle-range shade might be a
better option. A light-colored roof tends to reflect the heat, so could provide energy savings in
regions where air-conditioning is used throughout the year.
Home Buying Tip # 14
Are the foundations sinking? Although most foundation problems can usually be rectified, the
repair/replacement costs may out-weigh the benefits.
Costly Mistakes In Buying A Home...
Home Buying Guide By Noel Peebles
Home Buying Tip # 13
Is the roofing in good order, or does it need repairing, or replacing? Has the roof been carefully
maintained or are there water stains on the ceilings?
Does the roof complement the style of the home? Does it add to the home's visual appeal and its
resale value?
It may come as a surprise, but the color of the roof should be a consideration when buying a
house. Apart from the general look of the roof and how it matches with the rest of building, roof
color can affect energy efficiency in a home. In colder climates, a dark colored roof can be a good
option because it absorbs more heat. In temperate climates, a middle-range shade might be a
better option. A light-colored roof tends to reflect the heat, so could provide energy savings in
regions where air-conditioning is used throughout the year.
Home Buying Tip # 14
Are the foundations sinking? Although most foundation problems can usually be rectified, the
repair/replacement costs may out-weigh the benefits.
Home Buying Tip # 15
At the same time as checking the foundations, look for signs of moisture build-up or drainage
problems, especially in basement areas. The experts have special equipment to test for moisture
content in walls and other areas. Remember, fixing these kinds of problems can be costly.
Home Buying Tip # 16
Here is something that is frequently overlooked by homebuyers. Is the electrical wiring and
plumbing in good working order? Faulty wiring is dangerous and could pose a potential fire
hazard...an it can be expensive to repair. The plumbing also needs to be considered when
arranging the home inspection. As a matter of interest, when I visit an open house I make it a
habit to run the shower to check the water pressure.
Home Buying Tip # 17
Are there any illegal structures on the land? Are there any outstanding permits that have not
been signed off by local authorities? Are there any easements like the right to pass across the
property, the right to construct and maintain a roadway across the property, the right to construct
a pipeline under the land, or a power line over the land? Easements can affect the value.
Home Buying Tip # 18
What needs to be done immediately to bring the property up to your standard (or taste)? What
about the color scheme... do you prefer carpets, ceramic tiles, or wood floors? Think not only
about what you like, but also about what might improve the value for when you come to sell. Think
about what might need to be done in the near future in the way of maintenance or improvements?
What cost will be involved? Another home buying guide is to expect lower maintenance costs with
a brand-new home.
Home Buying Tip # 19
If you think you may need more space in the future, be sure the house and lot will allow for
expansion. Will your furniture fit in the space? Is there enough storage space? Another quick
home buying guide is to carry a tape measure with you when inspecting open houses.
Home Buying Tip # 20
The kitchen and bathroom(s) are a key factor in any home. Do they meet your requirements?
Redoing a kitchen is likely to be expensive. So be sure of what you need and want before you
buy. The same goes for the bathroom. As a guide to buying the most suitable home to meet your
requirements, decide whether you need one, two, or three bathrooms... do you need a separate
toilet, shower, bath, jacuzzi?
Home Buying Tip # 21
What are the opportunities to increase the value of the property, and ultimately create a positive
effect on the resale value eg. Adding a garage, redecorating, landscaping, subdividing the land,
adding an extra room or level etc? A good home buying guide is to pay attention to floor plans.
Changing layouts of rooms later, can be expensive.
Home Buying Tip # 22
Consider the other advantages and disadvantages of buying the property. Does the property
have good views? Is there easy access to the property? Are the parking or garaging facilities
adequate? How is the property sited in relation to the sun and the prevailing winds? A well sited
home costs less to heat and cool and can save thousands of dollars over the years in utility bills.
Home Buying Tip # 23
What type of building materials do you prefer? The three most popular wall choices are brick,
wood siding and stucco. Wood window frames can add character, aluminum window frames are
practical and vinyl windows have certainly become popular over the past fifteen years. Around
50% of home buyers seem to prefer brick for exterior walls over wood siding or stucco.
Home Buying Tip # 24
Consider the methods of heating an/or air conditioning. Is there adequate insulation from weather
extremes?
Home Buying Tip # 25
Although you may not be a gardener, landscaping and trees do enhance the beauty and value of
a lot and house. Plant deciduous trees, shrubs and vines to provide shade in the summer and
sunshine in the winter. Imagine the house in good weather and bad, and in each season. Will you
be happy with it year-round? Also, look carefully at the indoor/outdoor flow of the house and
whether you could improve on it. Access from indoor living spaces to exterior spaces (decks etc)
encourages outdoor living and appeals to many.
Home Buying Guide Continues Here
Back to previous home buying tips
At the same time as checking the foundations, look for signs of moisture build-up or drainage
problems, especially in basement areas. The experts have special equipment to test for moisture
content in walls and other areas. Remember, fixing these kinds of problems can be costly.
Home Buying Tip # 16
Here is something that is frequently overlooked by homebuyers. Is the electrical wiring and
plumbing in good working order? Faulty wiring is dangerous and could pose a potential fire
hazard...an it can be expensive to repair. The plumbing also needs to be considered when
arranging the home inspection. As a matter of interest, when I visit an open house I make it a
habit to run the shower to check the water pressure.
Home Buying Tip # 17
Are there any illegal structures on the land? Are there any outstanding permits that have not
been signed off by local authorities? Are there any easements like the right to pass across the
property, the right to construct and maintain a roadway across the property, the right to construct
a pipeline under the land, or a power line over the land? Easements can affect the value.
Home Buying Tip # 18
What needs to be done immediately to bring the property up to your standard (or taste)? What
about the color scheme... do you prefer carpets, ceramic tiles, or wood floors? Think not only
about what you like, but also about what might improve the value for when you come to sell. Think
about what might need to be done in the near future in the way of maintenance or improvements?
What cost will be involved? Another home buying guide is to expect lower maintenance costs with
a brand-new home.
Home Buying Tip # 19
If you think you may need more space in the future, be sure the house and lot will allow for
expansion. Will your furniture fit in the space? Is there enough storage space? Another quick
home buying guide is to carry a tape measure with you when inspecting open houses.
Home Buying Tip # 20
The kitchen and bathroom(s) are a key factor in any home. Do they meet your requirements?
Redoing a kitchen is likely to be expensive. So be sure of what you need and want before you
buy. The same goes for the bathroom. As a guide to buying the most suitable home to meet your
requirements, decide whether you need one, two, or three bathrooms... do you need a separate
toilet, shower, bath, jacuzzi?
Home Buying Tip # 21
What are the opportunities to increase the value of the property, and ultimately create a positive
effect on the resale value eg. Adding a garage, redecorating, landscaping, subdividing the land,
adding an extra room or level etc? A good home buying guide is to pay attention to floor plans.
Changing layouts of rooms later, can be expensive.
Home Buying Tip # 22
Consider the other advantages and disadvantages of buying the property. Does the property
have good views? Is there easy access to the property? Are the parking or garaging facilities
adequate? How is the property sited in relation to the sun and the prevailing winds? A well sited
home costs less to heat and cool and can save thousands of dollars over the years in utility bills.
Home Buying Tip # 23
What type of building materials do you prefer? The three most popular wall choices are brick,
wood siding and stucco. Wood window frames can add character, aluminum window frames are
practical and vinyl windows have certainly become popular over the past fifteen years. Around
50% of home buyers seem to prefer brick for exterior walls over wood siding or stucco.
Home Buying Tip # 24
Consider the methods of heating an/or air conditioning. Is there adequate insulation from weather
extremes?
Home Buying Tip # 25
Although you may not be a gardener, landscaping and trees do enhance the beauty and value of
a lot and house. Plant deciduous trees, shrubs and vines to provide shade in the summer and
sunshine in the winter. Imagine the house in good weather and bad, and in each season. Will you
be happy with it year-round? Also, look carefully at the indoor/outdoor flow of the house and
whether you could improve on it. Access from indoor living spaces to exterior spaces (decks etc)
encourages outdoor living and appeals to many.
Home Buying Guide Continues Here
Back to previous home buying tips
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