If you've ever looked for a house, you've probably seen listings that claim a home is "move-in ready," but what does that actually mean? We're sharing eight features to look for in a home that claims to be move-in ready.
At the most basic level, a move-in ready home is one that can be lived in immediately, without any major repairs. Move-in ready doesn't necessarily mean the home is fully updated or new--just that it is ready to be lived in. Below are eight features to look for in a move-in ready home.
1. Roof
The roof should be in good condition and not need to be updated in the near future. A home with an old roof may not be an issue, but it could be at any time. Look for homes that have a roof that has been somewhat recently updated, well care for, and will not need to be replaced anytime soon.
2. Windows
Windows should be free of damage, rot, or anything that could allow water into the home. As long as the windows are sturdy and free of the aforementioned issues, it doesn't matter if they aren't brand new.
3. Heating and cooling
A home's furnace, water heater, and heating and cooling systems should be in great working order. If any of these vital components in a home need to be replaced in the next couple of years, it's not recommended to consider the home move-in ready.
4. Electrical
It's crucial for electrical work to be up-to-date, not only for move-in readiness, but for safety. All outlets and switches must be usable and up to code. It's important not to move into a home with older electrical systems due to the risk of fire.
5. Plumbing
The plumbing in a home should be able to be used normally and be in usable condition. A bathroom doesn't need to be fully updated to be move-in ready, it just needs to have unclogged drains, flushable toilets, and working showers and sink faucets with good water pressure.
6. Flooring
Any flooring that is heavily damaged by warping, buckling, or stains that cannot be removed should not be considered move-in ready.
7. Paint
While ugly paint colors can be an eyesore, they won't prevent a buyer from unsafely living in a home. If there aren't excessive chips or marks in the paint and the paint used wasn't lead-based, it is considered move-in ready.
8. Kitchen
A kitchen doesn't need to be equipped for a gourmet chef and have brand new countertops and appliances to be useable. As long as the appliances, outlets, and faucets are in working order, the kitchen can be considered move-in ready.
1. Roof
The roof should be in good condition and not need to be updated in the near future. A home with an old roof may not be an issue, but it could be at any time. Look for homes that have a roof that has been somewhat recently updated, well care for, and will not need to be replaced anytime soon.
2. Windows
Windows should be free of damage, rot, or anything that could allow water into the home. As long as the windows are sturdy and free of the aforementioned issues, it doesn't matter if they aren't brand new.
3. Heating and cooling
A home's furnace, water heater, and heating and cooling systems should be in great working order. If any of these vital components in a home need to be replaced in the next couple of years, it's not recommended to consider the home move-in ready.
4. Electrical
It's crucial for electrical work to be up-to-date, not only for move-in readiness, but for safety. All outlets and switches must be usable and up to code. It's important not to move into a home with older electrical systems due to the risk of fire.
5. Plumbing
The plumbing in a home should be able to be used normally and be in usable condition. A bathroom doesn't need to be fully updated to be move-in ready, it just needs to have unclogged drains, flushable toilets, and working showers and sink faucets with good water pressure.
6. Flooring
Any flooring that is heavily damaged by warping, buckling, or stains that cannot be removed should not be considered move-in ready.
7. Paint
While ugly paint colors can be an eyesore, they won't prevent a buyer from unsafely living in a home. If there aren't excessive chips or marks in the paint and the paint used wasn't lead-based, it is considered move-in ready.
8. Kitchen
A kitchen doesn't need to be equipped for a gourmet chef and have brand new countertops and appliances to be useable. As long as the appliances, outlets, and faucets are in working order, the kitchen can be considered move-in ready.
