There are so many things to think of when you are looking for a house that it is hard to remember them all. It’s even more daunting when you are a first time home buyer. However, whether this is your first home purchase, or if you a seasoned veteran homeowner, there is a process that you should follow to make sure that you’re not getting in over your head.

The last thing that you want is for your dream home to become a money pit. Here is a guide to keep in mind during your house hunting in Durham, NC to help you make a smart buy.

Flip the Switches

Make a point of trying each and every switch in the house, going room to room. You are trying to determine firstly if the lights work; you are also trying to determine if there may be some issues with the wiring.

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Wiring is important to be aware of because there could be a hidden fire hazard behind the walls. Also check fans to make sure they run well.

Turn on the Air Conditioning and the furnace to make sure that they cool and heat as they should. Check the airflow through the registers. If major appliances are included as part of the purchase, assess them too.

There are Many Good Reasons to Have a Property Inspection

When there are so many costs when you first buy a home, you often look for ways that you can cut back. Forgoing a property inspection is a decision that you may regret though.

A property inspection helps you fully understand the financial, mental and potentially physical implications of your purchase today and in the future. Your property inspector will do a top-to-bottom assessment of your home, looking for signs of damage.

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He will also alert you to wear and tear on some of the housing components, alerting you to when you might need to repair or replace, allowing you to budget. Make sure that you read the full report to help you decide if this is the right home for you after all.

An Insulated Home is a Smart Buy

One of the biggest costs associated with home ownership is heating and cooling your home. You can greatly reduce those costs by making sure that your home is air tight.

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That means double checking that your home is adequately insulated. Check the attic, garage and exterior walls, where heat is more likely to escape. It’s worth adding insulation in areas where it is patchy, damaged or otherwise not effective. You’ll notice a difference on your bills.