If you’re buying a home for the first time, you are on what can be
described as a “journey,” at least in the beginning. A lot
of first-time homebuyers are on a journey of
discovery. As they begin looking for that “perfect home,” they may learn
a lot about themselves, including what they want and what they don’t
want in their first home.
Some buyers are looking for a fixer-upper, while others are looking for
a brand-new home that has never been lived in before. Meanwhile, others
are looking for a home that is “move-in-ready.” Since so many
people fall into the latter category, I’m going to focus this article
on what it means for a home to be move-in-ready, and what you should expect
in such a home.
Nothing Should Need to Be Fixed Immediately
For a home to be “move-in-ready,” there shouldn’t be
anything that needs to be fixed immediately. In other words, there shouldn’t
be any issues that need to be taken care of before the buyer can occupy the home.
Is there a serious pest or electrical problem? Is the plumbing out of commission?
Is the roof so bad, you don’t feel comfortable if there’s
a rainstorm? If a house is advertised as move-in-ready and you see any
of these red flags, it’s not move-in-ready.
However, move-in-ready is a broad term. A home does not need to be brand-new
or fully remodeled to classify as move-in-ready, and a lot of people have
a misunderstanding about that. So, even if the avocado-colored countertops
or the barnyard painting behind the oven are giving you nightmares, it
doesn’t mean the home is not move-in-ready.
What should you expect from a home that is technically move-in-ready?
- A home where all of the electrical is updated and the switches and outlets
are modern.
- The roof, windows, and doors should all be in excellent condition.
- The HVAC system (heating and cooling) should be working very well.
- While stainless steel appliances and marble countertops are nice, they
are not required for a home to be move-in-ready. However, the kitchen
should be functional, and the faucets, lighting, and appliances should
work well.
- A move-in-ready bathroom should be clean, the drains should not be clogged,
and the showerhead should have good pressure. Leaky drains, a toilet that
doesn’t flush, and a shower with low water pressure are all causes
for concern.
- All flooring (hardwood or carpets) should be clean and in nice condition.
- The paint inside the house should not be marked, chipped, and it shouldn’t
be any wild colors.
Next:
4 Common Title Problems
If you’re looking for a Nashville
real estate lawyer, I encourage you to
contact my firm for assistance. I represent buyers and sellers in their real estate transactions.