What would be wrong with a home that has been sitting empty for 3 years?

Question

Looking to buy a home that has been sitting empty for 3 years the home is 11 years old. Has a septic system and well water. What do you think might have gone wrong with it sitting for so long???? Thanks All

Answer 1

Possible mold issue, but I'm guessing they would've told you that...

Maybe it's built on top of a toxic waste dump...ha...but, seriously.

Wasn't a crime scene or anything was it?

Answer 2

after that much time it has probably turned into a "crack" house all the electrical ripped out and sold for drugs. the kitchen sink and bathroom fixtures reduced to broken piles of ceramic, holes in the walls where some macho druggie showing off to his friends put his fist through it, and not to be outdone they showed him they could do that too.the windows could all be broken out. Other than that, it IS a nice little fixer-upper if the sewer lines aren't blocked to badly.

Answer 3

Start with the water system, broken pipes, walls damaged by water/flood or drain lines. Then the roof, walls, paint, foundation is cracked?   Did the basement flood several feet deep?  Standing water will increase the moisture in the wood which then will rot. Insects, mold, mildew, are some of the problems.  Before you make an offer, hire a building inspector to do a complete inspection.  If the house is sound structurally, then inspect for water damage to the sheet rock. All damaged by moisture must be removed, also the carpets must be replaced.  Any and all of this list will depress the value of the structure.  The heat and the electric power are minor problems that should be addressed. Also the septic tank should be pumped and restarted.   Good Luck.  

Answer 4

Alot of things could be wrong with it. The first things that comes to mind for me would be mold, water damage, termite damage, septic back up, or a dry well. We bought a house 4 years ago, that was on the market for 2 1/2 years. When we had it inspected we found out that the basement leaked really bad. We decided to buy the house, which we ended up getting for $10,000 less than they were asking because of the problem. Turns out all it needed was some new windows in the basement. You'll never know for sure until you get an inspection of the house and property. It could be something minor causing a big problems, as in our case. Or it could be something VERY costly. Always get inspections before pruchase!!

Answer 5

before you buy you may consider a home inspection professional as the money could be well spent.

Answer 6

Nothing that cannot be taken care of with the a little elbow grease and cleaning.Check for termites.Check the toilets.Let all the fixtures run water,inspect the ductwork,and coil cleanliness of the furnace-a/c and run it a while.Test all the electrical switches and plugs.Run the dishwasher.Make sure the lot water heater is working.Check the shingles on the roof and check the drainage.Check the window and door locks.Check for cracks in the concrete and sidewalk.

Sounds like a good house only being 11 yrs old.Good luck.