Smart home buying tips from the experts

PARK CITY, Utah — Do you wonder what to look for when buying a home? We always hear this question, and it’s precisely why having a professional real estate agent by your side is so important. While you’ve probably thought about price, size, school district, and the neighborhood, there’s more to consider. Does the home have ‘good bones’? Is it built to last, or are there hidden issues? Here’s what Inhabit Park City advises you to keep in mind.

Get on that roof. A roof is what we like to call a big-ticket item—meaning it will cost you if something goes wrong. Here in Utah, it’s not uncommon to have roof damage from snow removal, ice dams, or leaks due to a lack of snow removal. Ensure you have an inspector look for any roof damage or evidence of past issues. If there is, ask the seller to provide invoices to confirm that a reliable contractor handled the work.

Checking out the sewer lines, tubs, sinks, toilets, and water heaters can clear up some of the mystery around potential plumbing issues. How old are the sewer lines? If the home is over 20 years old and the seller hasn’t mentioned anything, getting a sewer inspection is wise. Pipe deterioration, tree roots, or stubborn clogs can cause serious damage. And keep in mind, replacing a sewer line can cost anywhere from $1,000-6,000 on a smaller home—definitely something to avoid if possible!

You’ve heard the phrase, “Your foundation is everything.” Well, when it comes to a home, we mean that literally. Bulging or bowing foundation walls point to structural issues—another big-ticket item we want to avoid. A few obvious signs of foundation problems to look out for include cracks in the foundation, drywall, or ceiling, gaps above doors and windows, sunken stairs or porches, and sloping or uneven floors. That said, not every crack is a cause for alarm. Some are just a normal part of a home settling. A qualified home inspector can tell you whether a crack is cosmetic or a sign of a more significant issue, but getting a structural engineer involved is a smart move if you’re unsure.

When Kristina from Inhabit Park City was purchasing her first home, she focused on the things she can’t change. “Location. Is it in a good place? No? Move on. Floor plans. Does it have a decent layout, or is it wonky? If the floor plan is bad, there’s not much you can do to fix it without spending a lot. I’m not talking about just knocking down a wall to open the kitchen and dining room. I mean issues like ‘there’s only one bathroom, and it’s on the second floor, all the way to the far right of the house between two closed-off bedrooms’—that kind of wonky floor plan!”

We hope this gives you some insight into a few key things to look out for. When buying a home, there’s more to consider beyond price, size, and location. A solid home inspection and a realtor with great contacts for additional expert eyes can help you spot potential red flags before committing. At Inhabit Park City, we’re always happy to help!

Julie Snyder is an experienced real estate professional who serves as a lifestyle resource for clients looking to buy or sell in the Park City area, offering luxury real estate services backed by the power of a global brand. The founder of Inhabit Park City and a sales agent at Summit Sotheby’s International Realty, Julie aims to understand her client’s needs and lifestyles before pairing them with carefully curated options that fulfill their criteria and wishes. Julie describes herself as honest, analytical, and passionate. Utilizing market data, strong negotiation skills, and effective communication, Julie easily navigates Utah’s competitive real estate market. She views herself as a relocation specialist and proudly shares her deep local knowledge of the area’s schools, neighborhoods, restaurants, clubs, and outdoor experiences.