I'm buying my first home. I have a realtor. Been pre-approved for the mortgage.

When looking at a house, what can I, as a layman, look at to understand whether the house has good bones (electric, heating, cooling, plumbing, structure)?

Any and all information helpful.

Thanks!

Pay the $400 for an inspection. You don't want to miss something bc you wanted to skimp out on it. And, it will be leverage for your ultimate price in the end.

Ditto what sc101071 said. I also recommend following the inspector around the house when they do the inspection to double-check what they are looking at, and generally for your own knowledge as well.

My understanding is that the inspection is after I make an offer.

How do I evaluate whether to make an offer without someone's expert advice first?

Yes, you are right. You make and offer, which is contingent upon an inspection. If the inspection comes back with issues, then you can either lower your offer to accommodate the expenses of fixing things, or you can walk away and find another place. Of course, you will need to spend another $250 - $400 for an inspection on the next place as well. Either way, it is well worth the money.

The inspection is typically after there is an offer and acceptance, but prior to closing. This gives you the opportunity to view the inspection report and either move forward or back out based on the results. Most real estate transactions are subject to buyers acceptance and approval of inspection, but you can ask your realtor to either put that in your offer or show you the exact language that shows the inspection as a contingency so you're not at risk for losing your earnest money deposit.

Wow really ???? I ask questions on here seeking advice on my gastric sleeve never get any responses , but many views . Usually have to google my questions . But people are giving real estate advice . This is how you know it's time to research somewhere else

9 minutes ago, bellabeans said:

Wow really ???? I ask questions on here seeking advice on my gastric sleeve never get any responses , but many views . Usually have to google my questions . But people are giving real estate advice . This is how you know it's time to research somewhere else

I'm very sorry you feel that way! Ryan's question had an easy answer, something that most questions on here do not.

33 minutes ago, bellabeans said:

Wow really ???? I ask questions on here seeking advice on my gastric sleeve never get any responses , but many views . Usually have to google my questions . But people are giving real estate advice . This is how you know it's time to research somewhere else

I see solid answers to your posts, "What is a plateau, I've never heard of a plateau" and "What's a good gift for my surgeon"...

I'm a Realtor in Northern California. I strongly encourage all my buyers to get a Home Inspection (about $475+ depending on size of house, location, etc), a Pest Inspection (about $275+ depending on size of house, location, etc), if the house has septic or well I would strongly recommend having those inspected as well. I always, always gift my buyers a comprehensive home warranty at the time they purchase the house.

Wishing you the perfect home!!

8 hours ago, bellabeans said:

Wow really ???? I ask questions on here seeking advice on my gastric sleeve never get any responses , but many views . Usually have to google my questions . But people are giving real estate advice . This is how you know it's time to research somewhere else

With an attitude like that, I'll open the door for you

Edit: Every single question you've asked (started topics) have been responded to. Some many times, so the "...never get any responses..." is just not true.

Edited March 10, 20179 yr by smg

Bottom line is why ask real estate questions on a Bariatric site ?? When I read my forum i want to educate myself with Bariatric questions , not read real estate , there is a place for that . My sleeve is very successful partly because all of the information I have read on this Bariatric app. When I read my timeline I read everything that's how I learn . I do not enjoy reading real estate questions it's a waste of my time . It's not a attitude, it's an option . Shame on you for not redirecting the question to an appropriate forum [emoji57]

3 minutes ago, bellabeans said:

Bottom line is why ask real estate questions on a Bariatric site ?? When I read my forum i want to educate myself with Bariatric questions , not read real estate , there is a place for that . My sleeve is very successful partly because all of the information I have read on this Bariatric app. When I read my timeline I read everything that's how I learn . I do not enjoy reading real estate questions it's a waste of my time . It's not a attitude, it's an option . Shame on you for not redirecting the question to an appropriate forum

Then as soon as you saw the "totally off topic" in the title, you should have just moved on....no need to waste your time. You made the choice to click into the topic. The OP placed it in the wrong forum, but that's a mistake, not a reason to hang them out to dry...

Edited March 10, 20179 yr by smg

Then as soon as you saw the "totally off topic" in the title, you should have just moved on....no need to waste your time. You made the choice to click into the topic. The OP placed it in the wrong forum, but that's a mistake, not a reason to hang them out to dry...

Can't u see the resemblance to the gastric sleeve???.. lol
I was the same wtf

People who feel the need to act as the forum militia must be so much fun in real life.

"The topic of the evening is 'what would Himmler do.' Deviations will be severely punished!"

Seriously, I asked other humans for help. If it threw too much chaos into your life, you didn't have to read it. Hence "off topic."

Hope you have a great Friday and an awesome weekend.