So tomorrow night Mr FT and I will be doing our first walk through of the house which we think we want.
My boss was telling me to make sure to flush the toilets, run the sinks and showers, look under cabinets, etc.
What else should we look for?
The driveway has a crack going up the middle and looks like it goes into the garage. Could that be a foundation issue?
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I got stamps today to mail the invitations, but won't get them mailed til tomorrow - some of the sticky stuff wasn't holding, so I'm going to tape them tomorrow before mailing.
I also stopped at Walgreen's and bought some Valentine's candy at 50% off - some kiss shaped ferraro chocolates in gold packets = two boxes of them. (table favors!)
I also got $10 worth of gas.
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I decided to book the photographer I met with Monday night. He'll be charging $500 (his wife will assist him.) Sometime soon I'm going to have him and Mr FT meet so Mr FT will feel comfortable with him.
I also booked a videographer. She'll do the ceremony and reception (with highlights) for less than $100.
On Friday I have a hair trial appointment. (Yes, I found someone to do my hair!)
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Need to work on my homework for the pre-marital counseling tonight, but otherwise am just going to take it easy. 
What To Look For?
February 18th, 2016 at 01:45 am
February 18th, 2016 at 01:53 am 1455760395
Also pay attention to the relative size of all the rooms. Maybe having a large master bedroom is more important to you than, say, the size of the dining room, or whatever.
For me, the outdoor space was just as important as the indoor space. I notice whether the sound of traffic from the interstate is really very noticeable, for instance. Or how close the neighbors' houses are or whether you notice an ATV in the neighbors' driveway. It all depends on what's important to you.
February 18th, 2016 at 01:59 am 1455760756
For me, my condo must haves are: gas heat, private outdoor space, updated kitchen & baths, not much bigger or smaller than 1400 sf., wood floors, central air, 2 bedrooms
Nice to have: one level/ranch, in my hometown
February 18th, 2016 at 02:28 am 1455762488
February 18th, 2016 at 05:57 am 1455775020
Also esurance had a good article in 2013.
I took a ton of pictures when I went looking at the house I bought. I mean in the closets and garage and everywhere so that I could remember as many details as possible. Outside too so I could remember about how big the yard was etc.
I also went and met the neighbors before I bought. I wanted a feel for the neighborhood. Turns out many are original buyers from 15 years ago. My direct neighbor is a renter family but they are pretty quiet. Although I am going to have to ask for the landlords number as I want to replace our common fence this fall. I also drove the neighborhood at all hours to see what it was like. I mean, midnight and 3 am! In all fairness it was New Year's Eve for the 3am as I was coming home from my best friends house but even the 8-10 pm drives were quiet.
February 18th, 2016 at 09:55 am 1455789324
In addition to determining if the layout and room sizes work for you:
I would look for stains on ceilings or patching / repainted (water leaks from pipes or roof).
I would look at outside foundation for any cracks.
I would run faucets and flush toilets at the same time.
I would open windows.
If you end up make nag an offer, I would do an independent home inspection.
February 18th, 2016 at 11:04 am 1455793450
February 18th, 2016 at 01:29 pm 1455802148
We'll definitely get a formal inspection (including Radon) before buying!!
February 18th, 2016 at 02:20 pm 1455805207
Smart girl to get radon test and home inspection (although they can't catch everything!).
February 18th, 2016 at 02:40 pm 1455806433
I would look for water damage too.
February 18th, 2016 at 05:24 pm 1455816279
I just called the realtor and thanked him for his time, but that I'd realized since the home we're looking at is a FSBO, that we should proceed without wRealtor. However, if we decide to not go with this one, I'd give him a call.
iMA - I'd rather have a nitpicking inspector than one who's blase.
February 18th, 2016 at 05:35 pm 1455816954
February 18th, 2016 at 06:52 pm 1455821547
Does kitchen have space for table & two chairs? Is set up bump? Any counter space adjacent to each appliance? Adequate counter space for your daily use items like coffee or tea stn., toaster, knife holder, chop/cutting board? Quality faucet? Imagine preparing dinner after a ghastly, busy day...easy access to set table, cook quinoa, fry onion/celery/garlic trinity, plug for crock pot? Utility cupboard for mop, broom, vacuum, cleaning products, tools.
Entry adequate, defined space for outer wear? Lv Rm furniture placement is typically sofa on largest wall, piece to balance/entertainment TV opposite, other furnishings. Bd Rm adequate size for bed, able to walk around sides easily to straight linens, adjacent unit for alarm, personal products, night reading. Dresser space either opposite bed or adjacent to closet as you prefer. Closet space adequate for both your wardrobes. BdRm #2 adequate multi functional home office, craft zone, guest rm. Bth Rm, vanity space for daily grooming products while in use, towel, product storage. How long does it take to get hot water in the shower/quality shower unit. Landscaping, time/effort/equipment required. Parking for yourselves and guests. Any imposed restrictions? permits required?
AS FSBO you need an excellent lawyer who specializes in RE. Squiggle room statements like 'on approved financing,' on meeting inspection approval, on no land restriction, all permits filed and in order etc.
February 18th, 2016 at 06:59 pm 1455821969
I was trying to say...check appliance doors, fridge/stove/DW so ensure they do not bump one another...
February 18th, 2016 at 09:03 pm 1455829424
February 18th, 2016 at 10:20 pm 1455834014
You might be able to see if the gutters are clogged just by standing out in the street. If you see leaves sticking up then, there is some lack of maintenance there. An inspector should get on the roof, so they could check.