By Stan Riley


If you are in the market for a new home, finding the perfect one is not a simple process. There are many things you need to do before you sign on the dotted line in order to make sure you are getting the best deal for your money.

Get to know the neighborhood. A house is set in an ideal location if it is built in a flood-free zone and is near schools, hospitals and other social establishment. These variables will make your home more valuable in the future, in case you decide to resell it.

Do a little research on the history of the house, especially if it was previously owned. Ask around the neighborhood if there are previous damages, problem neighbors or crime reports in the area. It's best to know these things before closing any deals.

It is also advised to hire a house inspector to check the house, even if it is newly built. It is better to spend one-time on a house inspector than to continuously spend a fortune on damage repairs that could have been avoided.

Ask the inspector to check the structure and roofing materials of the house. Newly-built houses have never experience wear and tear so it's best to be sure that the materials used will last a long time.

Plumbing and electric systems are two things you should get checked thoroughly. Flooding, leaking and short circuits can all be annoying as well as dangerous. Also, ensure that the fireplace is built properly to avoid any fire-related mishaps.

Check the gas and heating systems rigorously. Kitchens and bath fixtures should be functioning properly. If you find issues before moving in, it doesn't mean you can't buy the house. Negotiate with the landlord to get all problems fixed before you make the purchase.

Appearances can be deceiving. Make sure to check every corner of the home that you want to move into and hedge yourself against any potential inconvenience.




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