Inside of House

I walked the inside of the house I'm purchasing yesterday with my agent. The only major issue I found was the range hood was missing. All other problems were minor. When I got home, I estimated total repairs at $386+tax.

The main reason I went inside yesterday was to assess the natural gas situation. When I entered the kitchen, I realized something was definately wrong. The range was gas. I turned the knob for one of the burners on, thinking nothing would happen, and gas came out. I also saw a gas feed for the dryer and the fireplace is gas. I didn't even check out the water heater, because this was already enough evidence for me. At this point I'm really stumped. The gas company has no record of gas service to the property, yet I've seen (and, literally, smelled) differently. I'm thinking since the gas is already on, I'll wait until closer to closing to call the gas company and get this straightened out. The inspector is to come out this Wed, and as long as the gas is already on, he shouldn't have a problem ispecting the place.

Other minor issues I saw were:

- Batteries for smoke detectors ($15).
- Ceiling light needs replaced in front porch ($18).
- Coach light missing in back porch ($30).
- Install light bulbs throughout ($50).
- General cleaning outside ($5).
- Remove carpet stains and shampoo ($25).
- Replace key lock sets on front and back doors ($90).
- Plant flowers/shrubs in front for curb appeal ($100).
- Install vent hood ($33).
- Other ($20).

As long as the inspector doesn't find anything major, I'm looking at about $400 for repairs. My peeking-in-the-windows estimate was $2,000, so I'll (hopefully) save about $1,600 on repairs.

My agent also faxed me an appraisal and termite inspection that was done last November. The termite inspection showed no evidence of wood-eating insects and showed the conditions were not ideal for such. Therefore, I won't have to worry about getting another one done. The appraisal had a final price for this property at $112,000 (which is what HUD listed it at). The comparable properties were ones sold last summer, and one was written as 'inferior'. My own comps have this property at $133,000 right now, and I can probably sell it for more once spring is in full gear.