Looking At Homes

While there's no substitute for a professional home inspection, you can do your own research while looking at houses. Be observant and ask questions of the owners or their agent. Some things to look for include:

• Cracks and shifting.
  Is the foundation in good shape or are there cracks?
• Leaks and water marks.
  Look around eaves and downspouts outside the house and around windows and ceilings inside the house.
• Damp smells and mildew stains.
  Does the basement look or smell damp? Are the owner's belongings stored off the basement floor?
• Drafts.
  Is the house tightly sealed? Are there drafts coming from windows, doors, or crawl spaces? Ask to see the energy bills.
• Condition of the roof.
  What is the age and condition of the roof?
• Landscaping and property issues.
  Does the drainage lead away from the house? Is it in good condition? Are there soggy spots on the lawn? Are any trees too close to the house, including unhealthy or dead trees? Are decks, patios, or porches in good condition?
• Quality of construction.
  Are there nail pops? Do the floors or stairs creak or give in when you walk on them?
• Plumbing.
  Is the water clear and odor-free? How's the water pressure? Are there strange "knocking" or "groaning" noises when you turn the water on?
• Septic Tank.
  If there is a septic tank, how old is it? Has it been regularly maintained? Are there soggy patches in the yard that could indicate septic problems?

Most homeowners are honest about any problems when trying to sell their homes, but it doesn't hurt to ask questions and look around. For instance, if a cutting board's in an odd place on the counter, move it to make sure it's not hiding a crack or burn mark. If a chair's in a strange place, check to see if it's hiding a carpet stain.

Older Homes

Older homes can be charming but you should be aware of special issues with them so you're not surprised once you own the home.

Ask about:

• The foundation. Look to see if the roof line and porches are parallel or sagging. Are the steps pulling away from the foundation?
• Lead paint. Older homes often have lead paint. By law, sellers must disclose the possibility of lead paint, but also make sure your home inspector looks for this.
• Electrical wiring. Has the wiring been updated? Are there three-prong outlets? Do the lights flicker?

Be sure to discuss any special issues with your home inspector if you're considering buying an older home.