Common Defects in Homes on Long Beach Island New Jersey
Common Problems with Homes in the LBI Real Estate Market
Buying a Home in the LBI NJ Real Estate Market
Buying a home on Long Beach Island is a major investment! When looking at homes, it is important to understand not only the current market trends, but also the common problems with homes in the LBI real estate market. Most buyers come to LBI from Northern New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. These areas are generally located far away from the water and can create a problem for buyers who may not know the environment on Long Beach Island. While a seller’s disclosure and a home inspection should uncover most problems, by knowing what to look for can avoid engaging a property that may not be worth buying!
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Common Problems with Homes in the LBI Real Estate Market
There are a few common issues to be aware of when looking to buy a home on Long Beach Island:
- LBI can be windy, especially during the winter, so checking roofing, windows and siding are very important.
- Foundations can shift and crack thanks to the soft, sandy soil on LBI
- Water penetration problems can be present so keeping an eye open for water marks can prevent problems with mold
Windows, siding and roofing can sustain damage from high winds on Long Beach Island. This damage does not only occur from a hurricane, but can come from a strong nor’easter over the winter months. While this damage is most common on older Cape Cod style homes, it can occur on newer homes as well. A basic review of a house can tell you if there are tell tale signs of damage.
Foundations are another potential problem area for home in the LBI real estate market. LBI is a barrier island and has a very high water table. In almost any location on Long Beach Island, digging down only a couple of feet will result in hitting water! Therefore, foundations can shift and could require attention. Block foundations and creosote pilings can be of particular risk and require additional cause for concern.
Water penetration can occur in many areas of a home. The most common areas will be around a replacement window that has been improperly installed. A small gap can lead to a constant water leak that can cause damage behind the walls of a house. This could potentially lead to mold growth. An older roof, or a roof that has been damaged by the wind, can cause roof leaks that can also create issues for a home. Simply looking for water stains, or repaired damage, can clue a buyer or their real estate in to the potential for more serious damage.
Any home purchase should involve a home inspection which will uncover most defects and common problems with homes in the LBI real estate market. A buyer can also ask for a seller’s disclosure (although these are not required by New Jersey law and many homes will not have them). Even with these safeguards in place, a home buyer and their real estate agent should have a good understanding of what to look for to avoid common problems with homes in the LBI real estate market. For more information about buying a home on Long Beach Island, feel free to contact me and I will be happy to answer any questions you have!
By : Nathan Colmer | The Van Dyk Group
Cell: 609-290-4293 | Office: 800-222-0131 | ncolmer@vandykgroup.com
www.BuyLBI.com
Click here to search all homes for sale in the Long Beach Island NJ real estate market
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