I've recently started thinking about purchasing a home.  So many things run through my mind...a fresh start...where do I begin?  Do I want to live in the city? Suburb?  Do I want a condo?  A little farmhouse?  An article in Popular Mechanics Magazine got me to thinking about these scary home purchasing nightmares...Things that we sometimes don't think about when looking at purchasing our new home, that can end up in disaster if we don't recognize issues before we close the deal.  Consider the following when looking for your Home Sweet Home.

 

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IS YOUR NEW HOME CLOSE TO A HIGHWAY

You might have grown up next to a busy highway...so maybe highway noise doesn't bother you. But...if not...a little highway noise might just drive you insane. A lot of noise? Take an early morning walk through the new area so you can get a true understanding of the noise level you'll be living with.

 

INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES

Take a drive around the area you are thinking about moving to and look for large metal buildings, with big roll up doors. The doors may be closed during the winter but during the summer when the doors are wide open you could have nonstop racket from heavy equipment, woodworking machines, etc.  This problem is growing more common with residential properties, because of zoning changes.

 

HOW DO YOU LIKE FARMLIFE

I grew up with the sound of tractors..so I find it relaxing to hear a tractor at night..UNLESS it's backing up and beeping...That noise would drive anyone crazy.  If you don't like the sound of farm life... moo-ing cows, barking dogs, howling coyotes, and good morning chickens...You may want to rethink this move.

 

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I'VE BEEN WORKIN' ON THE RAILROAD

Trains nearby?  How many times a day do they go by?  Just once or twice?  What if it's more than that?  What if it shakes your house and rattles the windows?  Make sure you can live with it before you buy.

 

GARBAGE DUMP SITE OR RECYCLING CENTER

Have you driven by a garbage dump?  Do you enjoy the strange scent of Garbage dumpness in the air?  Make sure you aren't going to be living with this issue the rest of your life.  Check out your neighborhood, and make also make sure there are no plans of a new site being added nearby.

 

WATER TOWERS

A water tower typically recharges at night, but other times, water pumping produces a steady throbbing that will drive you nuts. Neighbors are not always a good source to ask.  They might be used to it.  Stop by the area at night and see if it bothers you or anyone in your family.

 

METH HOUSES

Meth makers are notorious for turning houses into highly toxic dumps. Check records to see if there are any of these kind of homes that have been found in the area that you are looking to purchase.

 

 

SHOOTING RANGES

An outdoor shooting range looks just like a nice, quiet, open area, until the shooting starts. And which way are they shooting anyway?  Yikes...You might want to think twice if your house is the target.

 

PERSONAL BUSINESSES AT HOME

A business operating in a residential neighborhood could be fine, or it could be dangerous, where your kids will be riding their bikes. The best way to spot value-wrecking neighbors is to drive through your intended neighborhood during working hours and look for materials stored outside the garage area, an unusual number of parked cars, and pallets and boxes that are piled high.

 

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