Good things to do when buying a house

[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.

[.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...