Good things to do when buying a house

[PugnacAutMortem]

I'm buying a house here in the next month, and although this isn't my 1st house...it's my 1st house that may have an issue. The house we live in now was completely remodeled from top to bottom (literally, a new roof down to a new sewer line and everything in between was redone brand new a couple months before we moved in by the City of Aurora). So we did the inspection and radon test, but there literally wasn't a thing that they needed to fix before we bought this house.

So since our new house isn't going to have everything redone like our current house, I wanted to know what some good things would be to have done before we move in. I know the inspection and the radon tests are good ideas, and I would think a sewer scope would be a good idea as well, but what else should I do before we close?

[Robb]

One thing to always consider is you're not just buying the house, you're kind of buying the neighborhood and surrounding area. Don't just focus on one piece of property, make sure it all looks good for a mile in all directions.

[PugnacAutMortem]

One thing to always consider is you're not just buying the house, you're kind of buying the neighborhood and surrounding area. Don't just focus on one piece of property, make sure it all looks good for a mile in all directions.

Oh for sure, we kind of learned that lesson with this house we have now. The house is absolutely perfect, but the neighborhood is just so-so. And it's just a hop, skip and a jump from the deep hood of Aurora.

[Ah Pook]

Get a loud barky dog and leave it outside night and day. Neighbors love that kind of thing. [Flower]

How old is it? What kind of condition does it look to be in?

[eneranch]

A good RE Agent should be able to steer you in the right direction; knowing what pitfalls are prone to happen in that area ie. Crime, Structural Problems (soils moving), Sewer/Water problems, Hail Damage Paths, Lead Paint, Asbestos materials, etc. etc.

Can't ask too many questions.

[kwando]

Where in Aurora? University hospital moving to colfax has pushed a lot of investors in the area to buy those old run down properties to rebuild them. With the potential of the gaylord hotel and business complex, values will inch upwards

[ruthabagah]

If the house is more than 15 year old and you have landscaping between the house and the curb, then yes, you should spend the money for a sewer inspection. Another good point is to drive in front of the house at different time of day/night just to see who is living around you.... The nice, quiet house next to you, could become a meth distribution center after 10 pm or just a frat party house over the week end.

[MrPrena]

I use to see rotten neighbors when the site was up.

What I see most besides house inspections:

1. Immediate neighbors. Kids, teens, Pets, yard, home, etc
2. At least 0.5-0.75 mile away from railroad track.
3. At least 150-200yd away from school.
4. At least 40yd away from 40mph roads. (50yd for 50mph, and on)
5. I try not to not buy a house next to houses with Pool/Jacuzzi. It gets loud during late night summer.
6. Away from Golf course. mosquito.

[RCCrawler]

Always check the sex offender registry as well ;)

[rockhound]

get your own agent, a buyer's agent is your best friend. the agent who has the sign in the yard is not working on your behalf. once you see the requirements of what your agent is to do on your behalf you will understand why the seller's agent is not your friend.

also with the market in the metro area these days, be ready to move, a decent house will go fast.

there are new rules for homes that were built 1978 or earlier, have it tested for lead based paint,

[Tim K]

I don't usually recommend home inspectors, but if you don't know what to look for yourself, I think they're a good idea. They'll check a lot of stuff that doesn't matter, but they'll also check some major things you might not know to look for. Some also have insurance so if they miss something, they pay to get it fixed.

[Great-Kazoo]

If the house is more than 15 year old and you have landscaping between the house and the curb, then yes, you should spend the money for a sewer inspection. Another good point is to drive in front of the house at different time of day/night just to see who is living around you.... The nice, quiet house next to you, could become a meth distribution center after 10 pm or just a frat party house over the week end.


Friday, sat nights and sundays,

[kawiracer14]

If you're moving anywhere decent in Denver you don't have much choice/time. Houses are generally selling the day they are listed or the day after.

[Tinelement]

Be present during the inspection of the home you are buying.

[Wulf202]

Change your damned locks on day 1

[newracer]

I would personally check the function of every window, door, light, and outlet.

[Dave_L]

This is more for after the purchase but do any painting/re-flooring before you move in. WAY easier.

[.455_Hunter]

If you're moving anywhere decent in Denver you don't have much choice/time. Houses are generally selling the day they are listed or the day after.

Yup- We listed our house in Arvada last year at this time and it was on the market for just over 24 hours.

[SideShow Bob]

Check the flood plain map. Ins. Are canceling / won't insure houses in certain areas. I heard of a couple folks that lived in the city limits had their ins. get canceled shortly after the 2013 floods due to the fact that there was a green space near them.

[PugnacAutMortem]

If the house is more than 15 year old and you have landscaping between the house and the curb, then yes, you should spend the money for a sewer inspection. Another good point is to drive in front of the house at different time of day/night just to see who is living around you.... The nice, quiet house next to you, could become a meth distribution center after 10 pm or just a frat party house over the week end.

That is an excellent idea that I would have honestly never have thought to do. A bad neighbor can really make your life miserable.


I don't usually recommend home inspectors, but if you don't know what to look for yourself, I think they're a good idea. They'll check a lot of stuff that doesn't matter, but they'll also check some major things you might not know to look for. Some also have insurance so if they miss something, they pay to get it fixed.

The nice thing about my situation is that my dad was a home inspector for quite a few years, so I am going to have him look the place over. I figured he might be a bit more invested than some other guy, cosidering the fact that his child and his grandchildren will be living there.

[Logan]

A bad neighbor can really make your life miserable.

You could even check if the folks next door are the home owners, or renters. I bought a house next door to a rental without knowing it. The original folks living there were great, but the "new" ones that have been there for the last couple years are awful.

[mtnrider]

Is there any undeveloped property near by? If so make sure you have your agent research it and find out who owns it, how it is zoned, what the future plans may be for it etc. Nothing like buying a property only to find out a year later they are going to build a low income apartment complex right on top of you.

[MarkCO]

Check the utility bills for minimum one year. If you buy it, deep clean the carpets and clean the HVAC ducts before you move in.

I see you have your Dad as a HI, but I usually recommend you get a reputable plumber, HVAC guy and electrician to check their areas. Most will do a service call for $100 or so if you tell them what you are doing, and many will refund that if you have them fix stuff. Walk the neighborhood looking for cracks and elevation changes in the driveways and sidewalks. READ the HOA (if there is one) rules and regs. Check the fences and the neighbors yards for dogs and trash. Check the trees of the neighbors.

Call your insurance agent and ask them for the rates and if they will perform a courtesy inspection. Many will now, and they typically look at siding, drainage and the roof.

[Irving]

Check the address and make sure the house is not located in Denver.

[.455_Hunter]

You could even check if the folks next door are the home owners, or renters. I bought a house next door to a rental without knowing it. The original folks living there were great, but the "new" ones that have been there for the last couple years are awful.

From personal experience in Arvada:

A large number of older, cheap vehicles parked at one house may indicate an "extended" family situation. In my case it was the rental almost directly across the street, with Mom, Dad, Grandma, two sets of late teen and 20 something step kids (some preggers or with small children), plus the BF/GF's of the day visiting. What a mess...

Sorry to be stereotypical, but I would also be leery of any houses showing signs of "_____trash" (insert ethnic group of choice) as neighbors, such primer grey ricers with ground effects and coffee can mufflers, or stupidly lifted older pick-ups with rebel flags flapping in the breeze.

[PugnacAutMortem]

From personal experience in Arvada:

A large number of older, cheap vehicles parked at one house may indicate an "extended" family situation. In my case it was the rental almost directly across the street, with Mom, Dad, Grandma, two sets of late teen and 20 something step kids (some preggers or with small children), plus the BF/GF's of the day visiting. What a mess...

Sorry to be stereotypical, but I would also be leery of any houses showing signs of "_____trash" (insert ethnic group of choice) as neighbors, such primer grey ricers with ground effects and coffee can mufflers, or stupidly lifted older pick-ups with rebel flags flapping in the breeze.

Hey if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...

[Robb]

The extended family situation sucks, no doubt and can develop at any time. Best to be avoided if at all possible.
My last neighborhood was fantastic when I moved in, all new homes, everyone kept up with everything but as we got older alot of families moved up and out and alot of renters moved in. With that the lawns go to hell, weeds don't get taken care of, POS's and trailers on the street.etc. My personal peeves. I made sure I moved to a hood with an HOA, lots of people don't like them but I do. The downfall to my old neighborhood though was my next door neighbor, my good buddy put his house up for sale, a week later for rent, and then everything went to hell, he and the state were in kahoots and the house next to me became a Section 8. I don't know if you can find out if any of those are on your new neighborhood but it would pay if you could find out.

[.455_Hunter]

...and the house next to me became a Section 8.

OUCH! Sorry to hear that.

[Robb]

The bad part is they didn't try and better themselves and leave the ghetto behind, they brought it with them.

[fitz19d]

Test for meth. My first house under contract owned by state patrol dude came back quite hot. Was a foreclosure before him. Saved me, though feel bad for him.

[PugnacAutMortem]

Test for meth. My first house under contract owned by state patrol dude came back quite hot. Was a foreclosure before him. Saved me, though feel bad for him.

Would it be reasonable to assume that if there was meth activity in a house that there would be a police record of it at some point?

[MarkCO]

Would it be reasonable to assume that if there was meth activity in a house that there would be a police record of it at some point?

No it would not.

[waxthis]

I use to see rotten neighbors when the site was up.

What I see most besides house inspections:

1. Immediate neighbors. Kids, teens, Pets, yard, home, etc
2. At least 0.5-0.75 mile away from railroad track.
3. At least 150-200yd away from school.
4. At least 40yd away from 40mph roads. (50yd for 50mph, and on)
5. I try not to not buy a house next to houses with Pool/Jacuzzi. It gets loud during late night summer.
6. Away from Golf course. mosquito.

"2. At least 0.5-0.75 mile away from railroad track."

LOL...Tell Jim that.....

[fitz19d]

Would it be reasonable to assume that if there was meth activity in a house that there would be a police record of it at some point?

No, because thousands upon thousands of people cook/smoke and arn't caught. Even if arrested wont neccesarily show the house if they are caught elsewhere. Looking at any police records for the address/neighborhood isn't a terrible idea for other problems.

There's a complete eval that's like 2k, but they have quick rapid screen type stuff that's a couple hundred ish. Take swabs from some typical areas. (Vents in bathrooms, around/in the furnace/ducting). My house was .3 in most areas. (State limit .5, most other states .1), furnace came back 2.8.... While that is low enough that likely wouldnt cause any issues, it does mean that lenders won't touch it, very difficult to resell without extremely expensive remediation.

The owner on mine last I heard was letting it foreclose over try and put 30k into cleaning then sell for big loss.

[Great-Kazoo]

"2. At least 0.5-0.75 mile away from railroad track."

LOL...Tell Jim that.....

for what we paid [less then most people put as a down stroke] it was worth it till the big boys started running 24/7

[crashdown]

Wow... You do all the stuff listed here and you might never buy a place.
Might be best to go knock on some doors of your future next door neighbors and ask them how the neighborhood is.... They will give you the good and bad, and any history they know about the house.
You obviously will get a feel for the people living around you by doing so.

[KevDen2005]

I learned the hard way...have a camera ran down the sewer. Because of my horrible experience it already saved another close friend from a horrible experience.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Value. The rest mentioned above can be offsetted by value.