Looking at a house, maybe red flags?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No microwave? Thats disconcerting. Microwaves are known to emit b-gamma particles that radiate the interior of the homes to ensure they maintain a steady neutral flow of particulate.

Not having a microwave is probably because when they had one it was obvious that the exterior slurry was damaged - running the microwave would have made this clear even with the naked eye, and absolutely obvious if the interior was plaster (And since its an older home, it probably is). The only reason I can imagine the owners didnt have a microwave (or more accurately, got rid of it) was because they knew any inspector worth their salt would find this.

I would run far away.

Huh?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are looking at a house that has had extensive renovations done for the sale. The kitchen is updated. All the appliances are new and Whirlpool. Windows and doors all new. New hardwood floors. Everything looks about mid-range, and the price reflects that. In other words, not luxe renovations. It appears to be all well done, craftsmanwise, and we would obviously get a builder in to look at it and review disclosures and permits. Maybe there's just no knowing until then, but does any of this stand out to you as a red flag?
-whirlpool appliances
-no garbage disposal or microwave
-no washer/dryer
-shortish boards on new hard wood- appeared to be about 1-2 feet long, pine, not knotty
-standard/cheapish ceiling fans/lighting?

Whirlpool makes some of the best selling appliances, I am not crazy about them, nor do I seek them out when I shop for appliances. But I don't particularly think they are bad in some way.

No garbage disposal is a bit odd, but I don't really see this pointing to some a bigger issue. It wouldn't cost too much to get one installed later.

No microwave is also not a major thing to complain about. I know it's popular these days to have a double wall oven, one of which may be a microwave. But I wouldn't stress about it.

No washer/dryer is normal. Washer/dryer is apparently a very personal decision for some reason. We've had sellers who put it in their contracts that they are taking the washer/dryer. We just shrugged "go right ahead".

Pine? Are you sure? The boards may be short to avoid knots.

I don't start seeing good fixtures until we get into some of the better quality homes. Change them out if you want.

OP again- thanks this is all good wisdom. We definitely know this is a "you get what you pay for deal" and have no problem going more upscale with the money we save on what we care about. Just glad to hear that this stuff doesn't seem to point to a bigger issue. That's it- you hit the nail on the head. Of course we will still do due diligence, but this house is looking good.

What issue would it point to?
I am just curious what issue the appliance brand would point to????

I don't get this either. Did OP expect the high end brands for everything? Does having the expensive brands guarantee some sort of quality? If you read the reviews and research, oftentimes, high end appliances are not less but more headache. Plus, if you want them, you have to pay more, is OP willing to pay extra 10-15K to have high end brands?

We did a reno for ourselves and chose all different brands of appliances based on research and reading hundreds of reviews and seeing things in person. FWIW, we actually chose to buy a Whirpool fridge, we didn't do this to cut corners or save costs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you looked at the electrical panel? My guess is that it might need major upgrading and that is why there is no built in microwave (code requires dedicated circuit) and dryer that also requires 220 dedicated circuit and that the existing panel isn't large enough to accommodate these appliances.

If the prior oners did a fast reno on the cheap, they probably didn't want to spend the money required to upgrade the electrical.

We bought a flip wish this issue. Basically, our flippers hired unlicensed electricians who turned our kitchen into a firehazard and we had to majorly pay to upgrade the electrical about a month after moving in. I would suggest putting more investigation into whatever work they may have done that is not apparent in your regular home inspection.