What to look for when viewing a short sale home?

electric fireplaces sale image

Shelby

I am looking at buying my first home. I was shown a house yesterday that is a short sale and I am very interested in putting in a offer. I am going to look at it again later today and I will be taking my brother along with me, he has worked in construction for 15+ years and works with a well-respected remodeling company in the area. I want him to give me his opinion on the condition of the house.

The house has been vacant for at least 6 months and was built in 1940, with some add-ons, and the yard is overgrown, some of the gutters are fallen off, and the electric connection from the telephone pole to the house is hanging off the house. On the inside it is dirty at first, the people just left, food still in the fridge, so that odor is nice. I looked at the ceiling and did not see any water damage. Come of the windows look new, some need replacing. It has a wood burning fireplace, with burnt logs still in it, and I have no experience with fireplaces. If it has gone without maintenance for so long, is that a costly fix?

I guess my question is, what should I look for as signs whether to back away from this house or to move forward? I know my brother will be looking at the roof and basement and furnace and stuff, but I want to know what I should be looking for myself. Thanks!

Answer
A short sale is no different than any other house... make the contract subject to an acceptable home inspection. (You will pay for the inspection but it is well worth the price in a case where there may be problems with the house).

Any one out there ever buy an electric fireplace?

Atsa me At

for your home? Not an insert. Which did you buy? I would like to get one that has a large open face so I can see more of the flame..a no headache one...seems everything you buy anymore, if you don't know the correct questions to ask the sellers, they don't go out of their way to warn you of potential problems/hazards, well of course not they want to sell their items...thank you.

Answer
I wouldnt buy an electric if your looking for heat. They are stictly for looks. Sales guys will tell you "OH and it does 3000 or 5000 BTU" If you have a $30 space heater from Target that sits under your kitchen table, then you know how much heat that is. That will heat your bathroom after some time and thats it. All they put in them is a cheap little space heater. If your looking for something large to view Lennox makes the best one on the market but they charge for it. You will spend $2-3000 just for the fireplace and with 220v it will do 10,000BTU with 110v it just does 5000btu. But at that price I would just go for gas or wood, because you still have to purchase a full surround mantel. It def. looks the best out of all though because it doesnt use just standard lights. Other wise all the other brand are just cheap little boxes with lights in them with a 20 dollar space heater. Heat Surge claims to be Amish, but when purchased look on the back and you will see MADE IN CHINA, it's all chip board, Amish don't use chip board, so if the sticker is missing thats proof rite there.
I just recommend pick the one you think look the best, just don't plan on purchasing it for heat. And I would not leave the heater on for long times. Leaving just the fireplace on is just a 60W. bulb but with the heater at the same time you have about 1500w an hour

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Title Post: What to look for when viewing a short sale home?
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