A listing that says “move-in ready” is telling you what the seller hopes you will think. It is not an inspection report. In our 27 years of buying, fixing and reselling houses around Atlanta, we have seen move-in ready homes with beautiful paint over a roof that was done and others with an old kitchen but systems that were solid. The label tells you very little. The details tell you everything.
Start with the big five
- Roof: ask for its age and look for sagging, missing shingles or stains on the ceilings below
- HVAC: note the age on the data plate and ask when it was last serviced
- Plumbing: check under sinks and around the water heater for old leaks, and ask about the supply line material
- Electrical: look at the panel, test outlets, and ask about any additions or DIY work
- Foundation and drainage: cracks, doors that stick and water pooling near the house are all clues
Cosmetic is not the same as condition
Fresh flooring and paint are nice, but they are also the cheapest way to make a tired house look new. Do not let the surface distract you from what is behind the walls. A good inspector will tell you what a pretty photo cannot.
Ask for the paperwork
Request receipts for recent work and ask whether permits were pulled. Unpermitted additions and finished basements can cause trouble with insurance, your lender and your resale later.
Know what it is worth
Move-in ready homes often attract several offers, so it is tempting to rush. Before you bid, look at recent sales of similar homes nearby. If the asking price is above what comparable homes have sold for, you can offer less, ask for credits or move on.
If you want help sizing up a specific house, see our guide to move-in ready homes or send us the address.
Nil Patel is a licensed Georgia real estate salesperson with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners. This post is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice, and nothing here is a commitment to lend.