Older homes can be charming and tend to be cheaper than newer ones. Because they've been around so long, however, they are also prone to having more problems than homes that are newly built. To avoid having to spend thousands of dollars fixing any number of unpleasant surprises that may arise during your first year of homeownership, here are two things you should do when looking to buy a house.

Get Multiple Inspections

To ensure you're fully aware of what is going on with the home, you need to get multiple inspections. This is because inspectors are human and miss things; things that can cost you big down the line. Thus, it's best to have multiple pairs of eyes looking at the property to help uncover problems before you make the purchase.

The first inspector should be a generalist who will look over every part of the home and let you know if things are okay or if there's a problem. However, the second inspector you should get is an engineer, especially if the home is two or three decades old. Structural damage is very expensive to fix, and the older a home is the more likely its bones will need some attention. An engineer will look at the house's foundation and other structural elements and let you know if there are problems that need fixing.

It may also be a good idea to have the plumbing system also inspected by an expert in the field, particularly if there are trees on the property. Plumbing pipes are located underground and are prone to being invaded by tree roots because of the water that flows through the system. Having a plumber inspect the pipes using a camera snake can let you know if you need knew piping installed and negotiate a discount on the home to account for the expense.

Ask How Long the Home's Been Vacant

Another thing you should do is ask how long the home has been vacant. A number of problems can arise when a house hasn't been in use for a long period of time. For instance, vacant homes are more likely to develop mold because there's no one around to open the windows and circulate the air or catch leaks that cause water damage to walls and other structures.

Thus, if the home has been empty for a while, you'll want to get it tested for mold as well have a pest control expert take a look around for rodents and other animals who may have made their nests somewhere in the house. Although these additional services increase your closing costs, it's a small price to pay to avoid spending tens of thousands fixing up a money pit after you've bought it.

For more advice on purchasing an older home or help finding a house you'll love, contact a real estate agent.

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