When Purchasing a Home in the Manassas / Prince William County VA Market

In the current housing market of Manassas & Prince William County Virginia, which includes the towns of Haymarket, Nokesville, Gainesville, Dumfries, Lake Ridge, Woodbridge & Occoquan, Foreclosures and Short Sales are prevalent.

Therefore, it is important when looking at a prospective property to go through a quick list of questions, if you're serious about possibly purchasing the house. This exercise will potentially save you lots of time and money, and who isn't looking to do that!

When you've identified a property, while looking through it, check out these items:

HEATING
Age, condition, and operation of main system
Thermostat(s)
Room-by-room heating
COOLING
Age, condition, and operation of main system
Thermostat(s)
Room-by-room cooling
ELECTRICAL
Adequacy of service
Light switches
Door bells
Exterior lighting
PLUMBING
Overall
Water heater
WASTE (SEWERS OR SEPTIC)
Flush toilets
Consult owners on condition
Obtain service record
APPLIANCES
Range
Oven (all controls)
Dishwasher (run full cycle)
Refrigerator/freezer
Trash compactor
Trash disposal
Washing machine
Dryer
Other

INTERIOR SPACES

WALLS, CEILINGS, AND FLOORS
Overall condition
Water stains
Cracks
Settlement
Decay
BASEMENT AND CRAWL SPACES
Walls
Floor
Water penetration
KITCHEN
Cabinets
Countertop
Floor
BATHROOM
Toilets (tank and operation)
Floor (around tub, shower, and toilet)
Shower (check controls)
Tub (check controls)
Tile
GARAGE
Doors
Floor
Walls

EXTERIOR CONDITIONS
Roof
Siding
Windows/doors
Steps and stairs
Decks/porches
Pool and accessories
Sprinkler
Landscaping
Drainage

This doesn't eliminate the necessity for a home inspection, but it may make your decision about a specific property easier, so you don't get caught up in a contract for a house that is going to be nothing but a headache!

For a hard copy of the above list, or additional information on purchasing property in Northern Virginia, don't hesitate to contact us!