I think the majority of people who have read this have gone through the arduous process of buying a home - I have not. But what I have gleened from some of your experiences is that it is frustrating, time consuming, and can create a sense unease. Of course the pay-off is a worthwhile investment, becoming part of a community, and a place to call your own.
My coworker has made such a trip and is wrapping up the process for a row house in NW DC - something that he and his roommate are going to fix up and live in for a while.
On the website homebuying.about.com there is a list of items that should be considered when doing your walk through.
It includes:
- Turn on and off every light fixture
- Run water & look under sinks for leaks
- Test all appliances
- Check garage door openers
- Open and close all doors
- Flush toilets
- Inspect ceilings, wall and floors
- Run garbage disposal and exhaust fans
- Test heating and air conditioning
- Open and close windows
- Make sure all debris is removed from the home
Becuase of my coworker's experience last night, I think that this list should now be amended to include: Inspect for naked men sleeping in corners.
I have waited for this since about July - the first signs of fall. Sure, it's 85 today, and there will thunderstorms later in the day, but those days are coming when my cheeks are ruddy and there is a whiff of a musty library with a dash of burnt wood and a heaping of burning leaves. Soon they will be here, but today I get to sweat through my suit.
