The overall impression a building gives to a potential buyer is one of carelessness, dilapidation, and - a huge investment that will have to be made to get it back into a livable state. This impression is reinforced if a building's facade is worn down, its roof damaged, its gutters clogged with leaves, the windows broken, and the garden untidy.
Apartments present a slightly easier situation because, at the very least, the cost of building façade repairs is covered by the collective budget for residential management services. However, the current situation is crucial when it comes to home buying in Scottsdale, AZ.
The Outside of the House
Don't let your enthusiasm for a flawless interior cause you to disregard the value of a strong outside.
Your home inspection will be your main line of defense against purchasing a house with a damaged exterior, but it's also wise to keep an eye out for warning signs, whether on your own or with the help of a reputable real estate agent.
When touring a home, make sure to pay attention to the following key external features:
Roof:
This is significant because a new roof might cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Check the roof (or what you can see of it) carefully for any indications of damage. Even while an older roof need not always put you off, you may want to find out how old it is. Depending on the roof materials, a solid, well-maintained one can endure for several decades. Your new home's roof may even qualify for a discount on your homeowners' insurance if it is made of special shingles to withstand severe weather.
Foundation:
Numerous heartaches can result from foundation issues, costing thousands to tens of thousands of dollars to fix. While home buying in Scottsdale, AZ, watch for wall fractures to identify a weak foundation (particularly those around doorways or windows). Another red flag is stuck or jammed windows and doors. The foundation of the house should ultimately be certified by a specialist.
Siding
Look for any visible evidence of damage or neglect on the outside walls, such as flaking paint, rotting wood, cracks, or other decaying features.
The Bottom Line!
Finding the sweet spot between spending money and sacrificing the quality of life is essential. It's worth making an extra effort to improve the exterior of your home if adding a deck chair to your balcony or an occasional potted plant would make your life that much more pleasant, and a vast garden will provide you with more memorable, happy moments. If you plan to buy a home in Goodyear, get Goodyear home values so that you make the most valuable investment.