Houses in Portland
When shopping for houses in Portland you are bound to come across plenty of fixer-uppers, just like in any other city in the country. These can be little gems that you can take and turn into your dream home.
Taking those ugly ducklings and turning them in into swans is not always as easy as it seems however.
Here are some common problems that buyers run into when looking to buy houses in Portland that need work:
They don’t get a home inspector
This is probably the most important thing you will do when looking to buy houses in Portland. It should also be one of the first. It is essential that you get an inspector in to go over everything before you sign any type of contract.
This inspector will be able to look at structural issues and tell you if you need any new plumbing or electrical work as well as tell you about the condition of the roof among other things.
While you can get a recommendation from your broker it is always best to go with someone you know will be completely unbiased. That is why it is a better idea to find your home inspector on your own, someone who has no connection to anyone else involved in the deal.
Ask the big questions, instead of focusing just on what works and what doesn’t, be sure to find out the ages of the various systems in the home, that could be an indicator of how much life each system has left in it. Remember, just because something is working today doesn’t mean it will be tomorrow and the best way to determine what is going to last is their current age.
They don’t understand zoning
This is one of the most important factors any time someone wants to make changes to a house. There are things that can and cannot be done in any area and it is vital that you know what these things are.
For example, if you are looking at historical houses in Portland you could be barred from making certain modern changes. Zoning can even affect what you can do to the yard so be sure to do your homework before you make any big changes.
You can research the home’s zoning requirements by checking out city websites or you could make an appointment with a staff member who can explain what you can and cannot do.
They don’t hire a contractor and/or architect
This might not sound like something you need to do, but if you are going to be remodeling your new home it is important. Especially if you plan on knocking down walls since some walls will bring the house down around you if you try to remove them. Hiring the right people ensures that you get things done the right way, the first time, saving you both time and money.
There are some contractors out there who are not trustworthy however, so you need be careful. Be sure to get plenty of references from past clients. If the contractor balks at giving you references they are not someone you should trust.
Keep these tips in mind when looking to buy fixer-upper houses in Portland. They will make your life so much easier.