lots of ftb questions

E

ejdg9

Registered User
Messages
16
i thought it best to put them all into the one thread instead of flooding the board with what is probably nonsense

i got my approval in principle the other day and i have found a house that looks a bit interesting
but since i have never bought a house, or even viewed a house, i am going into this pretty blind

i am going to ask for a viewing of the house, so i was wondering what exactly i should be looking for, and what questions should i be asking?
im guessing i should be asking about the structural integrity of the house, the wiring and plumbing etc
is the ea obliged to tell me these things, or is it up to me to find them out?

i have already spoken to the ea on the phone and i know there is some work to be done on it, so how will that affect the mortgage amount if i did decide to buy?
if the house needs work done on it, will that reduce the amount the bank will lend?

also, do you guys think it would be advisable to wait for this impending budget in december before making any firm commitments to buy?
im just worried that they will reintroduce stamp duty for first time buyers or something, and it will be an extra expense i can ill afford

thanks in advance for your help
 
Borrowed from http://www.ourfamilyplace.com/homebuyer/persinspect.html.
Do your own inspection - and if happy and still interested - get a professional survey done aswell.
Your Inspection:

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Foundation:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Are there obvious cracks? Any apparent shifts in the foundation?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Roof:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Does it appear new, old, or of an indeterminate age? What is the overall condition?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Evidence of leaks:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Check inside as well as outside. Check all ceilings and areas around windows.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Basement or crawlspace:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Is there dampness? Is there adequate insulation?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Attic:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] How does the interior of the roof structure look?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Quality and workmanship[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]: In general and in any additions[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Apparent energy efficiency:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Does the house appear tightly sealed?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Electrical:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Any obvious malfunctions?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Plumbing:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Any unusual noises or malfunctions?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Appliance condition:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] What is the age and condition of the stove, dishwasher, refrigerator (if included), etc.?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Heating/cooling system:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Does it seem to do the job heating or cooling?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Exterior:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Is the house going to need repairs or paint soon?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Lot:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Does the drainage appear good--and away from the house?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Lot: [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Are there any trees encroaching on the roof or foundation? [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]A competent and professional inspection will include a minimum of the following:[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Foundation:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] How is the structural integrity of the foundation? Is there any evidence of cracks, shifting, or moisture problems?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]General Construction:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] How is the quality of the general construction?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Exterior:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Is the house in need of exterior repairs or maintenance?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Plumbing:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] How is the condition of the overall plumbing system? Any evidence of leaks or water pressure problems?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Electrical:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Do any dangerous electrical situations exist? Are there apparent code violations in the electrical system?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Heating and Cooling Systems:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] What are the ages of the systems? Are the systems adequate for the size of the house? Have they been maintained properly?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Interior[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]: Do doors and windows open and close properly? Are floors firm and level?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Kitchen:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Are appliances functioning properly? Is the plumbing, including the dishwasher connection, in good repair?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Baths:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Is the floor solid? Are there any evidence of previous or current water leaks? Is the plumbing in good repair?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Attached structures:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] What is the condition of any attached structure (sheds, decks, garages, etc.)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Roof: [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]What is the approximate age of the roof? What is the estimated remaining life of the roof? What is the condition of the roofing structure as well as the shingles?[/FONT]
 
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nice one, this is pretty much what i was looking for
thanks rg

as for waiting 12 months, im not sure i could last that long in my current situation
i have spent the last 6 years building up my savings, who knows what will happen in 12 months, i could lose the lot
i dont think that house prices will fall much lower, and if they do they do
i just want a home of my own now, even if i do pay a little over the odds, in the long run to me it isnt that important
 
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