Things To Look For When Buying A New Home

When shopping for your new home in St. Croix it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding that perfect house.  You can avoid buying a “lemon” by paying attention to these key aspects of your prospective new home.

Check the Foundation

Foundations can be the mostly costly thing to repair in your home.   So make sure you inspect the foundation for any obvious cracks in the concrete or stone.

Inspect the HVAC Systems

You typically won’t find central heating and air in the tropics, but you will find a variety of cooling systems from window units to split units.  Make sure you test them to make sure they are in working order, and pay special attention to the installation of window units.

Check for Water Damage

Inspect walls and under cabinets for water stains and mold growth.  Mold can be extremely hazardous to your family’s health, and roof leaks are costly to repair.

Electrical & Wiring Systems

If you’re looking at purchasing an older home it is crucial to have the home’s wiring and electrical system checked out.  Wiring that isn’t to code could potentially be a fire hazard, and some insurance companies may not insure a home that’s electrical system is outdated.

View the House At Least Twice

When you suddenly find your “dream” house you are more likely to overlook obvious defects when wearing those “rose colored glasses”.  Be sure to view the home at least twice for making an offer.

Pay For a Home Inspection

Be sure to have a professional home inspector walk through the house and give you an inspection report, and don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.  Also, if you have friends or family in specialized trades such as plumber or electrician, see if they might be willing to join you during the showing.

Price Too Good to Be True

If your “dream” home is priced suspiciously low there’s probably a good reason, so do your homework and make informed decisions because the purchase of your home is a huge investment.
For more information on buying, selling or leasing property in St. Croix, download our St. Croix Buyers Guide!