“Buying our first home has been overwhelming and stressful,” says Sesser. It’s a feeling most people who have bought a house can probably relate to—but especially during a pandemic. “My husband, two-year-old son, and I moved in with my parents as soon as NYC shut down at the end of March. We left our apartment one Saturday morning with enough in our bags for two weeks away. Almost a year later, we are still here. We are so grateful for the helping hands and outdoor space, but if my mother reprimands my husband one more time for not sorting the recycling properly, I think he might just force us into the car and drive away, never to return. After a recently hurled hummus container, our timeline for leaving the city for suburbia was expedited.” Like many young families, they suddenly found themselves looking for a house in the height of a super competitive market. “Everyone says to find something with ‘good bones.’ But what are those anyway?” Here’s what her colleagues at Ike Kligerman Barkley have to say.
Cracks in foundation or masonry wallsUndersized framing in roofs or floorsWater in the basementTermite damageEvidence of moldObvious sagging in rooflines, floors, or exterior walls
“If you’re not confident you can spot these on your own, keep in mind that before you close on the purchase of a home, you should insist on an independent inspection by a professional inspector. This will not detail every minor imperfection but should bring to light any serious concerns,” explains Carl Baker, principal Oakland studio director. Baker recommends first considering the layout of the house. Do the spaces connect in a way that makes sense for your family? Is it important to have a mudroom? Are there enough windows?
