7 Things to Pay Attention to When House Hunting (So You Don't Buy a Dud!)

The time has arrived - you've saved up enough money, you've worked your butt off for a solid credit score, you're ready to settle down in an area that you love, and you're finally ready to start house hunting. (For real this time, not just scrolling through Zillow for hours on end!)

Before you commit to that perfect place for you, there are a few things to pay attention to before you put in an offer. Of course, there are the obvious features like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, a neighborhood and school district you love, an open floor plan, plenty of natural light, an adequate amount of storage space, and any other items on your "must-haves" list.

But there are a few things that may not immediately cross your mind when you're house hunting and they're important things to consider so you don't buy a dud! To help you out, here are 7 things to pay attention to when house hunting to cover all of your bases and help you make the right decision when it comes to buying a home.

1) The Roof

When you’re house hunting in Florida, you should always pay special attention to the roof because investing in a home with a bad roof is less than desirable. The average cost for a replacement or new roof in Florida is $7211, but the average cost of a new roof is between $4700- $10,000.

Knowing the type of roof and its condition is key to understanding your risk. Shingle rooves can be warrantied for 20-30 years, but their lifespan in Florida is much shorter. High-quality architectural shingles have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years, while 3-tab shingles are expected to last 10 to 12 years. Tile roofs on Florida homes last from 25 years to 50 years. Make sure to ask the seller or agent how old the roof is and what kind of condition it’s in. Knowing this information will help you make the best decision.

2) The HVAC System

When you're house hunting, it's important to pay attention to the condition of the home's HVAC system. This is your heating and cooling system, and if it's well-maintained, it can last up to 15 to 20 years in a Florida home. If the HVAC system hasn't been properly maintained, however, its life expectancy can be as little as 10 years. The average cost of a new HVAC system nationally runs about $7,500, but depending on the size and brand of the unit and the size and layout of your home, this number can range anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000. You'll definitely want to weigh your options before you get stuck with that kind of expense!

If you’re looking at a home with an HVAC system that’s not over 10 years old and doesn’t have any rust, water damage or cracks, you’re most likely in the clear. However, a home inspector will be able to take a look and tell you if there are any major issues with the system. Be sure to ask how old the HVAC system is and if there are any maintenance records you can review.

3) Water Damage or Mold

When you're house hunting, it's important to pay close attention to water damage or mold. Not only can this cause structural issues, but mold can also create health risks for people living in the home. Florida homeowners should be aware that mold removal can cost up to thousands of dollars depending on the size and area of the infestation. Pay attention to musty smells and water stains on the ceiling or floor.

If you do decide to move forward with a house that has mold or water damage, a home inspector should be able to tell you how bad the issue is. Having an understanding of the damage beforehand can help you make an informed decision about whether the house is worth purchasing.

4) The Appliances and Outlets

When you're house hunting, make sure to check the appliances and outlets in the home. This may not be a deal breaker, but it's an important factor to keep in mind when you're making a decision or negotiating. Does that big, beautiful refrigerator actually make ice? Does the dishwasher make an awful clunking noise? If there are outlets in the Florida home that don't work, it could be a sign of a bigger electrical issue.

When you go to check out the house, take the appliances for a little test drive. To test the outlets in the house, bring a phone charger with you and plug your phone into the outlets to see if they work. To be sure you don't get stuck with a home full of appliances and outlets that don't work, make sure to thoroughly test them out before you buy. When it comes to a Florida home, these are important things to consider when you're house hunting.

5) The Foundation and Exterior

When you're house hunting, it's important to pay attention to the foundation and exterior of the Florida home. Foundation issues don't necessarily make the house unlivable, but they will make the home much more susceptible to problems, like mold or pests, that moisture causes or worsens. Some easy red flags to look out for are cracks in the foundation, exterior, drywall or ceiling, gaps above doors and windows, sunken stairs or porches and uneven floors or tiling.

Remind the reader that not every crack means the home is about to fall in. Settling of the building is normal, so a few cracks here and there may be expected. However, if you spot more than a few, it's worth further investigation. A qualified home inspector will be able to tell you if it's an issue or not. Don't forget to look around the exterior as well, particularly around the roof and eaves, which can sometimes indicate potential problems with water damage.

6) The Noise Level

Imagine: you've closed on a home you're thrilled about, you finally get moved and settled in, you sit down to enjoy dinner in your new kitchen and all of a sudden, the neighbor is blasting their favorite 80s rock band. Or you put your baby to bed and all you can hear are motorcycles and honking from the busy road nearby. Doesn't sound very pleasant!

When you're house hunting, it's important to pay attention to the noise level. Is it by a major road, airport, or railroad tracks? Do you have shared walls with a neighbor like in a condo or town home? Pay the home a visit when your neighbors are home or during busy traffic times to assess the noise level and see if it's something that will be a deal breaker or not.

7) The Price

When it comes to house hunting, the price is one of the most important things you should pay attention to. Before you even start seriously looking at homes, it is a good idea to get pre-approved for a loan so you know what you can and cannot afford. Nothing is worse than finding your dream Florida home only to find out that it's out of your price range! Knowing your budget upfront will help you focus on homes that are within your means.

Your Florida Real Estate Agent Has Your Back

When it comes to purchasing a home, it is important to pay attention to every detail. From the roof to the foundation and exterior, to the noise level and the price, these are all important factors to take into consideration before signing on the dotted line. If you're worried about navigating any of these details, your real estate agent will be there to help! With their knowledge in buying and selling Florida homes and experience with being on both sides of the deal, they will provide you with guidance throughout the entire process. Happy house hunting!