Looking to invest in Florida real estate but don’t know where to start? Contact Icon Realty! Our local experts can help guide you through every step of the process.
Continue reading for some home touring tips, and then call 407-569-ICON to learn more!
Florida Investment Property Tour Tips
When touring a potential investment property, one of the first things you want to look at is the roof. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask how old the roof is and/or when the last time contractors had to visit to complete maintenance work. If work has been completed, be sure to get a detailed report of the issue(s). Keep in mind: newer roofs have a life expectancy of approximately 20 years (depending on the materials).
The second thing you want to look for is cracked paint on the window frames. While this may seem like a small issue, the state of a home’s window frames can actually tell you a lot about the rest of the house. If these tiny details have been attended to, you can rest a little easier knowing the rest of the home has likely been cared for with the same level of attention.
To test, gently push your finger into the wooden frame. If it sinks easily, that usually means the frames are rotten. While window frames are usually easy to replace, this is a red flag that other (more expensive) parts of the house may be old and need replaced, too.
Lastly, keep an eye out for big cracks. Although some hairline cracks are normal, larger cracks around bay windows, end-of-terrace walls, and around where extensions join can be a bad sign. Eventually, these could bow away from the rest of the home if the house doesn’t have a sound structure.
It’s helpful to ask the homeowner about these issues before asking an inspector later.
Looking for Florida Investment Properties?
Icon Realty, Florida’s leading local experts, can help! Simply complete a quick online contact form or call (407) 569-ICON to get started today!
