Things to look out for when buying a Home in Ghana

Buying a house is a big step, perhaps one of the biggest you will ever take in life. It is likely to be the single biggest acquisition of your life so it is essential that you choose that property carefully. How can you be certain that there are no horrible revelations after you have purchased and moved in?

The point of finding that house you want to buy can be exciting. You view the house and get carried away because the house looks great and you can already imagine where your things will go. The neighborhood appears good and the asking price fits your budget.

But, some houses may have concealed surprises the agent or owner may not disclose. However, a little vigilance prior to closing the deal can prevent you from falling into a costly trap. There are things to look for when buying a home. For example, if other houses on the same street are also being sold or have been sold recently you must investigate further to check if there are any local issues causing owners to move away. At the time of buying a home, you should think into the future and not just what you want presently. For example, you may not have the slightest problem with stairs but this is one of those times to think into the future. A long, steep staircase for example, may not be the best feature for you in your old age.

The principal issues in your relocation decision making hinge on the (1) Structural condition (2) Neighborhood characteristics and (3) Location of the home. These are discussed here in detail.

The property: Have a complete home inspection done yourself. Be very patient with the assessment and don't just look at the building. Be equally interested about the land on which the property is situated. You must examine the area around it. Is the house in an area prone to flooding? To know whether the house is prone to flooding, it is a good idea to visit the property during the rainy season or after a downpour. Find out if the driveway is to be shared with other properties? And whether or not the fence walls have been built and positioned properly? These may appear to be a lot to take in, but remember once you move in, you can't ignore the surroundings.

There's only so much you can do with your own five senses. You may therefore want to engage an approved Valuation and Estate Surveyor (VES) to advice on the structure and general building condition of the home. Approved VES' of the Ghana institution of Surveyors (GhIS) are trained to easily detect and advise on the structural condition, extent of wear and tear, etc. The Ghana Institution of Surveyors is the only recognized professional body in Ghana for the regulation of the practice of estate surveying. Approved Valuation and Estate Surveyors of GhIS can notice early any activity of wood-eating pests such as termites and advice you on all you need to know to negotiate a lower price and also prepare you for any necessary repair costs that await you.

Things you should do: Before you set foot inside the property, check out what's happening on top. Does the roof look good? If the roof is sagging, chances are it could end up costing you.

When you step inside the house, get your hands on everything. Turn on every knob and switch, open every window and door, flush all toilets, even taste the pipe-borne water. That way, you can learn any problems at first-hand and see if there's a cost-effective solution. Focus more attention on the structure, looking out for cracks, etc. Do not judge the rooms by the painting and decoration. Look out for aging appliances, loose wires, etc. paying little attention to the freshly painted walls or decor.

Pay attention to smells, sewage or anything unpleasant. Sewage systems in older homes can sometimes get damaged or clogged by tree roots. The foundation will be there long after the paint has started chipping off so you should pay more attention to that.

Think about the purpose of your home, what you want in your home and the requirements for your lifestyle, like storage, backyard, etc. Is the space enough for your needs? If you are planning on having kids, anticipate some extensions for a home with an extra bedroom. It would be a good idea to look for a house with an entertainment area set far away from the master bedroom.

Ask the seller how long they have lived in the property and why they are moving. A short period may indicate issues with the property or the neighborhood. If answers appear weak, it may indicate issues with the property, location or area. Don't forget to enquire about the items, fixtures and fittings included in the sale such as the chandeliers, curtains, cupboards, etc. Ask the agent or the owner whether or not anyone has been murdered in the house recently. Traditionally, under common law, the owner is not obliged to inform prospective buyer of hidden problems but they should not lie about a problem with the property. The trend these days is that, if the seller knows of a hidden problem that affects the desirability or value of the property, they have to disclose it. The owner must, for example, disclose if the house is haunted by a ghost. If the owner refuses to answer, remind him that a death in the house is part of "material fact," which means it is something that anyone buying a property would want to know. The owner must disclose the basic facts, whether the death was natural, accidental, a suicide or a murder.

When you are inspecting the sanitary areas (kitchen, toilets, bathroom, etc.) get underneath the sinks and baths. Examine the pipes and check for wall leaks, water damage and mold. Mold is unsightly and foul-smelling. Mold causes health problems especially for babies, the elderly and people with asthma. Adding a bathroom can be expensive, so choose a home with enough baths to meet your family's needs. Even if you are a household of only three or four people, an extra powder room on the main floor can be a bonus.

Location: The next important issue to consider apart from the structural condition is the location of the property. The orientation, shape and layout of the property are important for many reasons.

The way a house is positioned on the plot affects how much natural light you will get which will ultimately affect your electricity bills. A south-facing home will maximize natural light. In the same vein, a north-facing home can be equally bright if the main living room is at the back of the home and there are enough windows all around. In hot climates such as ours, a north-facing home with deep eaves should be preferred to keep the inside cooler.

Look out for a neighbors' windows that looks directly into the home. This will cause privacy issues and you should be ready to live with it once you move in.

Turn on your mobile phone and check the signal strength. If the signal is poor, ask the owner or the agent which network they are on and their signal strength.

This will affect your internet connectivity if you are not on broadband and you should be ready to live with this.

Neighborhood: Be sure the neighborhood, and not just the house, meets your expectations. They say that the two most important things to think about when buying a home are location and neighborhood. You can live with almost every limitation in a home if you love the neighborhood and your neighbors. You can change almost everything else. But, once bought, you cannot change your home's

location.

When you go house hunting, consider any potential home's charm of the neighborhood, how the home is situated on the plot, ease of access, noise from neighbors, traffic as well as access to shops, schools, and public transport.

Check if the neighbors keep their yards clean and tidy, and whether the neighborhood is safe enough for people to walk, run or bike at night or dawn and whether there are playing areas for children. To know these at first hand, view the neighborhood a few times on different days and at different times to at hand best of the environment. Make sure to include a weekend visit as this will give you a feel of what it is like when people are at home from work.

Closeness to school districts is of grave importance for families with kids. You may also want to look into now walk able or bike-able your potential neighborhood is, what community amenities such as libraries, parks are nearby and the public transportation available. Ask the agent or owner(s) whether there are disputing neighbors.

Conclusion: it is important not to underestimate the cost of renovating or redecorating a property throughout. Picture yourself living in the property and ask yourself, if there will be any issues with the layout or location of the property that you may find difficult to live with, Listen to your intuition. If you don't like the house, don't buy it under pressure only to regret later! If you keep these tips in mind, your house hunting will be more successful, and you will likely end up with the home of your dreams. All the best!

Source : Land, property and Estate management in Ghana by Gad Asorwoe Akwensivie