5 Things to Know Before Buying a Home in Idaho

Buying a home is something that many strive for. It is a dream to one day own a home of your own. A place to fix up and decorate how you want, to raise your family, and to be able to call it your own. While owning a home is a dream, it also comes at a price. The days of being able to call maintenance to fix your problems at no cost are gone, and everything is your responsibility and costs money. When searching for a home to own in Idaho, there are a few things you want to check and know about, that you may not think of, especially if buying for the first time.

Pipes in an Idaho Home

When it comes to owning a home, knowing about the pipes is extremely important. Having a pipe burst or one backed up and forcing a flood is one of the worst scenarios when owning a home. There are many old homes in the Gem State, and making sure their pipes and plumbing are up to date is ideal before purchasing any home. Finding out after you have bought a house that the pipes need to be replaced can be pricey and not ideal. Do your research ahead of time. 

Where is the Water Shutoff Valve in Your Home?

Similar to above, having a flood is one of the worst scenarios, so if you do by chance find out that your pipes and plumbing need replaced, or in the scenario that you have an issue, it is good to know where the water shutoff valve is. This is important to know ahead of time because it can be the difference between minimal damage, or a disaster if a pipe ever bursts or an issue occurs. Being able to turn off the water from the inside will save valuable time and lessen the damage, compared to having to turn it off through the sewer drain in your yard. 

Type of Heater and Air Conditioning in Idaho

It is impossible to survive in Idaho without some sort of heating. The winters are long and cold, and staying warm is a must. It is important to know what kind of heating and air conditioning you will have and how it operates. Having central heating and air is ideal, but many decide to go different routes. Having a wood-burning or gas stove as your heat source is nice, but not knowing how to use it can be problematic. Ensure you know how to stay warm and cool in the hot summers and long cold winters, or your new home won't be so nice. 

Know Your Neighbors in Idaho

It may seem obvious, but do your best to find out about the neighborhood you are moving to before you purchase a new home. The people around you will dictate who your children are friends with, how safe you feel, and how you interact with people daily. Having good neighbors can make a home even better. And having bad neighbors can make you regret your purchase, even if the home is nice. It may seem simple and silly but who lives around you can determine how nice your home is or isn't. 

Mold Inside Idaho Homes

During inspection mold or mildew in a home should be something that is checked, but it isn't a bad decision to bring in a second opinion to make sure that a thorough check is completed. Many have weak immune systems and living in a home with mold can put them at extreme risk. It is easy to miss, but is important to know ahead of time as it can lead to family members getting ill, and will affect your health living in the house. 

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These are only a few things to know before buying a home in Idaho, but if you are buying for the first time, they are little things that you may not think to ask, that could turn into bigger issues down the line. Make sure to check every little thing and know what you are getting, because it is better to know ahead of time than to be caught off guard once you are stuck with your new house.