Follow Us: Google+
 
Bankrate.com

real estate

5 major must-haves for a fab first home

A history of proper maintenance
Next
5 of 6
Back
text

Whether a first home has been properly maintained can have a huge effect on your housing costs in the future, MacDonald says.

MacDonald says there are a few key areas of the home that can give you a general idea of whether the previous homeowner was diligent about home maintenance. If you see these issues, consider looking elsewhere.

  • Rotten trim on the exterior.
  • Dirty air-return ducts or a dirty filter in the HVAC system.
  • A crumbling roof or damaged gutters.

But while a spot check of these features can be a useful guide for narrowing down prospective first homes, a thorough inspection is essential before closing, Shuman says.

"It's pretty important that you have (an inspector) who you really trust -- who you know is going to do a thorough job, who's going to get up on the roof, who's going to run all the water, who's going to look at the electricity," Shuman says. "Do a very in-depth walk-through with them and understand exactly what you're buying."


 

 

advertisement

Show Bankrate's community sharing policy
            Connect with us
Compare Mortgage Rates
Zip code:
Product:



advertisement
Most Read
  1. No more Social Security at 62?
  2. What TV homes cost in real life
  3. Bruce Willis' house for sale
  4. 5 frugal ways to expand living space
  5. What it takes to remodel kitchen
  6. Naughty things credit card won't buy
  7. Danny Bonaduce's house for rent
  8. 12 'meanest' cars for the environment
  9. 10 ways to turn off a homebuyer
  10. Top 10 states for foreclosure
Mortgage Overnight Averages
Product Rate +/- Last week
30 yr fixed mtg
4.01% 4.04%
15 yr fixed mtg
3.11% 3.18%
5/1 ARM
2.82% 2.88%
30 yr fixed mtg refi
4.00% 4.03%
View rates in your area:
 

Feeling lost in the mortgage wilderness?

Let Bankrate's Mortgage Analysis be your GPS. This newsletter tracks our exclusive mortgage features, rates and tools. Delivered Thursdays.
 
advertisement
The latest monthly survey shows builder confidence is soaring.
Partner Center
advertisement

Advertising Disclosure: Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Bankrate may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website.