Are you considering the purchase of a home in foreclosure or one in distress?  It’s very likely that these homes have deferred maintenance and you must protect yourself.  After all, if the owner wasn’t making mortgage payments, why should you believe he/she was performing the basic maintenance required to keep the home in decent shape?

I always, always, always encourage my clients to hire a professional home inspector while the home is in escrow.  I don’t care how handy you think you are, the money is well spent.

With a little awareness, buyers can help themselves immensely before they even tender an offer.  I’m not advocating viewing homes with the intent of actively disqualifying them from the outset, but turning a blind eye to blatant problems will come back to bite you.  Here are a few problems that you can spot when first viewing a home:

• Outdoor maintenance is often telling of what is going on “underneath”.  If the home you are viewing has broken rain gutters, what else may be wrong?
• Foundation damage is always a major consideration.  Check for proper grading and cracks bigger than 1/3 of an inch.  This may indicate the home has major structural issues.
• Strong odors outside and inside almost always indicate something “bad”.  Investigate further.
• Be on the lookout for flickering lights and always check face plates for heat.  This could mean faulty wiring.
• Windows with fog or water in between double-paned windows can signify trouble.
• Stains and/or saggy walls usually may indicate water damage, mildew or mold.
• Keep your eyes peeled during your tour for pests and rodents.  Seeing evidence at this early stage is never a good sign.

Please contact Michael Zimmerman if you need a referral to a competent Honolulu home inspector.

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