Outer
Banks, North Carolina Real Estate Sales, Carolina Designs
Realty, Inc.
Corolla, Duck, Southern
Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head
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Clue in to Maintenance Issues
A brief check list to help you quickly evaluate the condition
of an Outer Banks Home
If you are considering investing in an Outer Banks vacation
home then you need to know as much as possible about the
structure that you are buying. Clues about the home’s construction
and maintenance history are there if you know where to look.
The points below will help you quickly assess every home
you see so that you can compare homes and minimize surprises
down the road. Given all the points to consider, a systematic
approach will allow you to ask the right questions and notice
important details.
For sellers it is important to understand that prospective
buyers will be using the following points to grade and rank
your home. Most buyers are looking for homes in top condition
and any defects become negotiating points or a reason to
select another home.
To start, take a look at the big picture. It is important
to begin your analysis of each home from a distance. Step
across the street and look at the house to get the wide
angle perspective. Start with the roof and check for missing
or cupped shingles. Is the house straight or are there sags
or tilts in the roof and walls? Where does the water go
when it rains? Note any areas where the driveway or yard
slope toward the house that may be a drainage problem.
Next, walk around the house and note the type and condition
of the siding and paint. Vegetation and sand should not
be touching the siding due to termites and rot concerns.
The age, condition and construction of the decks is also
important to note. By looking under the deck it is often
possible to see the condition of the flashing which protects
the house from water.
On the inside of the home, it is helpful to look at the
ceilings and note water stains or repairs. If leaks are
an issue, it may be evident on ceilings located below windows
and exterior doors. Check around windows for signs of water
intrusion.
Inside the home, also take note if the floor is not level.
Floor coverings need regular maintenance or replacement.
Carpet and hardwood condition should be noted. Look for
large cracks in the sheetrock as well. A certain amount
of settling is normal in homes with piling foundations and
small cracks in sheetrock may be acceptable…its best to
have a licensed home inspector make the final call.
Furniture condition should also be checked—don’t forget
to sit on the mattresses to judge their quality and remaining
life.
The final major area to consider in a home purchase is the
outdoor equipment. The amount of rust, or lack thereof,
on the outside heat pumps can give you an indication of
its remaining lifespan. While inspecting the hot tub, look
at the condition of the siding and the cover. This may provide
a clue to the age and condition of the inner workings. If
the hot tub is located on a deck make sure that the deck
has been reinforced to handle the extra weight of the water.
While looking over the pool area, check the condition of
the concrete decking and the interior of the pool. If the
pool has a liner look for rips and bubbles that may need
repair.
Maintenance issues do not have to be overwhelming. Homes
often fall in two categories—either they are in outstanding
condition with continuous care by the owner or they are
in average condition with a list of upgrades and maintenance
that will be coming due soon. Decide upfront what type of
house you are able to manage and understand that premium
homes sell at premium prices. With the help of your REALTOR
and home inspector you can make an informed decision on
selecting a home before you become the owner. With your
new understanding of potential maintenance issues, once
you are an owner you will be able to keep your home in top
shape for years to come adding to your enjoyment, increasing
your rental bookings and maintaining the resale value.
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