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Things to Consider About the Exterior of An Observatory Park Home


July 12, 2017

Buyers often spend a lot of time thinking about how they want the inside of their new home to look,

but...

many forget to consider the outside of the home - which is key to loving a new home.

Before you purchase a new home in Observatory Park, learn about some of the exterior features you should pay close attention to:

Trees

The first thing you should look at when pulling up to a home is the condition of the trees in the yard.
 
  • Do any of the trees look as if they are tilting to one side?
  • Are there any trees with a lot of dead branches?

If you answered yes to either one of these questions, it’s possible that the trees will need to be removed before or soon after you move in.

You should also note whether there are trees growing close to the foundation of the home.

The roots of these trees can eventually damage the foundation, which could lead to costly repairs, so this is something you should be prepared for.

Roofing

Roofs play an important role, so don’t ignore this part of the home when you start to look at houses on the market.

Be sure to find out what type of roofing material is used on the home and when it was installed.

Each type of roofing material has a different lifespan.

For example: asphalt shingles typically last between 15 and 25 years while metal roofs can last over 50 years.

Getting this information will help you determine if the roof will need to be replaced in the near future. If it does need to be replaced soon, you may want to offer less on the house since this is a significant expense. Learn about the average life of roofing.

Pools

If you’ve never had a pool before, there are a few questions you should ask before making an offer on a home with a swimming pool.
 
  1. Ask about the monthly maintenance costs of the pool. How much is the current owner paying to keep the pool clean and the chemicals balanced?
  2. Find out if there are any safety regulations that you will need to comply with if you decide to buy the home. For instance, the city or county may require you to install a safety fence around the perimeter of the pool.

Foundation

A home inspector will be able to identify serious issues with the foundation, but it doesn’t help to take a peek for yourself. If you spot any cracks in the foundation, this is a sign that the home has structural damage that will need to be repaired as soon as possible.

If you are still interested in the home, you will need to have your real estate agent work with the seller to see if he is willing to make the repairs before closing.

Are you ready to buy a home in Observatory Park? Contact Elevation Realty. Our team of experienced real estate experts can help you in your home buying and selling journey.