Most of the time when buying a property, there are a few obvious factors that you will consider – such as the location, the number of bedrooms, the accessibility to schools or your workplace, the need for repairs and any interior features.
However, there are a few things that might not have crossed your mind during your house hunting but are still quite important.
Water Quality
Most home buyers don't even think about the water quality at the property until they get to the inspection stage. However, if you find out that the home has hard water this will dull your clothes when you wash them and irritate your skin.
Hard water will also create calcium deposits within your showers and faucets and even inside your washing machine and dishwasher. Have the water tested so you know its quality and can look into options for a water purification system.
Cell Phone Reception
When looking at a house, don't forget to pull out your cell phone and check to make sure that you get good reception. There are a number of "dead zones" throughout the country and you don't want to buy a house where you can't make a phone call on your cell.
If you have found your dream house but it has poor phone coverage, there is the option to buy a wireless cell phone signal booster.
Lead, Asbestos And Other Health Risks
When buying homes that are older, make sure that you have the home thoroughly inspected for any health risks such as lead paint or asbestos insulation.
These materials were commonly used several decades ago, before anyone realised how toxic they really are. If you find any toxic substances you can have them removed safely or look for a healthier home.
Slope Of The Land
Take a walk around the property and look at the land around the house. Is it flat, or does the earth dip or slope in one corner of the property? Keep in mind that when it rains, water will flow to the lowest point on the property.
If the house is at the bottom of a slope you might have issues with dampness collecting around the foundations. This can be corrected only with serious landscaping, so it's much easier to buy a house on higher ground.
These are just a few factors to consider that you might not have thought of when buying a house. For more real estate tips on property, contact me, your real estate professional, today.
For more information about the Atlanta area real estate market, please email me at ed@edshort.com or call me at 404.918.2500.
~ Ed Short, Atlanta REALTOR®
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