"phaeton" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hello!

I realize that this question could almost be written off as "duh, use
common sense". However, I'm guessing that there are a number of
warning signs that defy common sense, or at least "novice home buyer"
sense that some seasoned folks would see right away. Maybe stuff
that's a little less obvious that the gaping pit of death in the
basement that is spewing the lost souls of the afterworld...

The reason I suspect this is because I've done a fair bit of automobile
repair and I know what to look for, I know what 'coverups' look like,
and I know how to manipulate used cars to make them rear their ugly
secrets. I expect houses to harbour tons of monsters as well.

The Missus and I are first-time home buyers, and we have our first
round of open houses and showings this weekend. I would appreciate any
tips of things to look for and how to gauge whether it's something
"minor and can be fixed when you get around to it" or "perhaps more
pressing/not DIY". I realize that *every* house is a fixer-upper to
some degree, and that's fine.

Any tips are greatly appreciated- about any aspect of buying a house
for the first time. When we do buy a house I'll invite you all to the
BBQ next spring ;-).

Thanks again!

-phaeton



For what it's worth, when you find something you like and want to make
an offer, add a clause about items that can't be checked this time of year.
We bought our house last December with a closing date in April of this year.
Had a home inspector ( at least that's what his card claims) check out the
home end of January, because of snow around and on the house he couldn't
check the roof , the exterior foundation, the grade, the deck and it's
foundation etc,etc. One thing that couldn't be checked due to the cold
weather was the central air conditioning. We moved in at the end of April
and 6 weeks later had a heat wave ( it went form 21c to 33c overnight and
lasted a week and a half) . when I tried the A/C there was no cooling, had
it inspected and found out it had no refrigerant and was told due to the age
of the unit , about 18 years old it, was not feasible to try and find the
leak to repair it.We're still trying to settle that with the lawyers. If the
vendor has nothing to hide or fear they shouldn't object to some sort of "
ass covering".

Also don't take the vendor or the selling agent's word for anything. If it's
important enough to ask it's important enough to write it down and have them
sign off on it.

Just my 2 cents

dave