What are Monthly Utility Costs?
This is often a shocker when you move into a new house. Very simply Atlanta has brutally sweltering summers. So ask for an average monthly cost. Lack of insulation, window and door leaks can all be signs of money that needs to be invested later on.
Has the Sewer Ever Backed Up?
As properties age and trees and other plants get bigger, roots find their way into sewer lines between a house and the street, causing clogs. It’s a mess for sure, and most homeowner insurance policies don’t cover damage from backed-up sewers.
Plan to have the sewer line cleared (about $150) every other year.
For $40 to $50 per year, you can add an endorsement to your insurance policy to cover damage from a backed-up sewer.
Do You Have Copies of Work Orders, Manuals and Warranties?
These can be super helpful and give you info at your fingertips as a buyer of an existing home. You can easily find model numbers and ages of appliances as well as keep track of when major repairs were done.
How Much Insulation Is in the Attic and Has the Seller Upgraded?
This is something else that’s good to identify as most homes are under insulated- which helps with the cold and warm weather.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends adding more insulation if the thickness of your attic insulation is less than 11 inches (R-30).
How Big is the Water Heater and Has it Been Replaced.
The average life expectancy of a water heater is about 13 years. So you can gage if that’s something you can add to the “to be replaced” list.
Septic Tank: When Was the Last Time the Septic Tank Was Pumped?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Association a typical septic system should be pumped every three to five years. But the size of the household can have a substantial impact on that number. There’s no harm in asking for septic taken details. After all it’s hard to make informed decisions, without being informed.
Will My SUV Fit in the Garage?
This is America, and we like big vehicles. Correction, we like enormous vehicles with full size SUV’s and trucks coming in at 20 feet long and 7 feet tall. Unfortunately the standard garages do not always fit the cars we like to drive. It’s an easy ask, and one you should check out before you make an offer.
If this list seems like a lot to tackle, don’t worry. Karen Salter Sources can provide excellent, vetted resources that can help both buyers and sellers with reliable vendors to help sort out these issues in advance or after the fact.
Information can be a really good thing and knowing things to ask is why you need an amazing realtor. Karen is here to advocate for you in every possible way. Please contact Karen today if you have specific questions, or need additional guidance. Remember, Karen is going to provide you with excellent representation no matter if you are buying or selling.
