Buying a home has a lot of ups and downs including making sure what you are buying is on the up and up. You don’t want to buy a home and then find out there are things wrong and things that you should have addressed in the buying process. Here are four things to ask when you are about to buy your next home.
Is There an Oil Tank?
A lot of homes used to run on oil, and the oil tank is still in the ground. Oil tanks need to be removed because they can be an environmental hazard. Oil can leak into the soil and can kill your lawn and your plants and trees. Once you buy the house that will be your responsibility and you will have to pay for the removal.
Removing an oil tank can cost up to $20,000 to remove, and that is a huge expense you don’t want. Before buying the house ask if there is an oil tank, and if the answer is yes, then ask the current homeowner to either remove it themselves, or knock a lot of money off of the price.
Is the Septic System Working?
It’s always best to buy in an area that has a sewer system, but if that’s not available to you, your new home may have a septic system. If that’s the case, have the system looked at before you even think about signing any paperwork.
Damaged septic tanks can be an environmental hassel and if the tank is broken or damaged, your entire yard could be ruined along with not being able to use the bathroom. Have a professional come and perform a septic tank cleaning so that you can see if there are any problems. This is something you can ask the current owner to do before you buy the house.
Is This a Flood Area?
A lot of people are selling their homes because the area is prone to flooding. This is also a fact that some people won’t divulge when selling their home. Ask right away. Unless you pay for flood insurance, your home won’t be covered if there is flooding in the area. Foundations can get damaged or your entire home can be washed away and you will not have any protection.
If the issue is drainage, have the current owner install a drainage system on the property to prevent flooding or have them install a sump pump to capture underground water and have it pumped out into a proper drainage facility so your basement or home won’t take on water.
How’s the Hot Water Heater?
Hot water heaters only last about 10 to 12 years, so ask about the lifespan of the current heater. If it’s close to the end of its life, have the current owner replace it before you move in. This will save you the expense of buying a new one or being without hot water when you finally get into your new home.
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