Foreclosures Homes: Inspection Checklist

Foreclosures homes are the hottest real estate properties on the market. The abundant supply and low prices make foreclosure properties must-have investments for many people. If you are considering to have a piece of the foreclosure investing market, you need to do an inspection of the property to make sure that you are getting a good deal.

You have an option to hire a professional home inspector to assess the condition of the property. Or you can do the home inspection yourself if you have access to foreclosures homes. You may need some tools to check for any possible gas leakage, electrical system, humidity and temperature.

What to Check on Your Inspection List:

Foreclosures homes inspection should not be confined only indoors. It is important that you check the site of the home. Include in your inspection list the grading status of the site. Is the ground debris-free and has no abnormal inclination? Does the slope points away from home? Is there no apparent damage on the roof? Can you see a water pool or wet area on the foundation? Are the doors secure? No broken glass windows? No damage to wood sections of the stairs? Are there any pot holes or cracks on the driveway?

Proper inspection of roof and attic is also important. Check if the insulation is properly placed, if it has adequate lighting, if the air ducts provide good ventilation and no open wiring. Watch out for soft spots on the floor, closed vents, weak sounding roof material, which means it is not strong enough, rafters in which there are wood destroying insects and signs of mold or termite damage.

A damage plumbing system can be costly to repair. Is there no leak in the water supply valve? Can you adjust the hot water? Is there no rust on the heater? Is there enough water pressure? Do the toilets flush well?

Go around the house and inspect the kitchen, bathrooms, living room and bedrooms. Check the lighting, floors, walls, ceilings, ventilation, electrical outlets, doors and windows. Protect your investment by making sure you performed a thorough foreclosures homes inspection.