So, you saw an ad for homes for sale in Santa Cruz. You instantly loved one of the properties. However, you are well informed. On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the Federal Open Market Committee decided to decrease its benchmark overnight borrowing rate by 50 basis points, adjusting it to a targeted range of 4.75% to 5.00%. You understand that decreased mortgage rates often attract more buyers to the market. You project that low interest may translate to more buyers entering the market, triggering more competition amid a constrained supply of homes for sale in Santa Cruz, CA, and increasing prices.
Considering this, it is evident that swift action is necessary. You want to be among the first to capitalize on present opportunities before the market shifts again. You are so determined to close the deal that it becomes tempting to breeze past a very critical stage: the home inspection phase. While it's understandable, the chances are that you are making a big mistake by skipping this phase!
Inside this Article:
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a non-invasive analysis and examination of the property's condition. The property's sale often coincides with the inspection process. You can do it yourself if you have some skills, but a certified home inspector is best. They will visit the property in person and examine its condition. Expect the process to take just a day, but it can take longer depending on the size and ease of accessibility to any part of the property. The costs range from about $250 to $550, depending on the home's age, size, and location.
Inspectors like to have buyers (or their representatives) present to participate, allowing them to personally view and discuss the findings and voice any concerns. It is advisable to personally attend your inspection, if practicable. An inspector will often examine a house's primary infrastructure and components to identify any issues that could cost you a significant amount of money in the future or that require immediate repair. Everyday things to consider are:
Bathrooms
- Toilet
- Shower
- Faucet
- Showerhead
- Tub
- Exhaust fan
- Shower caulking
- Visible plumbing under the sink
- Any fixtures
- Ceiling
Kitchen
- Sprayer
- Faucet
- Visible plumbing under the sink
- Shut-off valves
- Sink
- Exhaust fan vents
- Built-in appliances
Interior rooms
- Foundation
- Doors and windows
- Walls, floors, and ceilings
- Garage doors and operators
- Ductwork
- Fuel-burning fireplaces and stoves
- Installed kitchen appliances
- Cabinets and countertops
Attic
- Roof
- Soffit vents
- End louvers
- Insulation and ventilation
- Exhaust ducts
- Electrical splices
Basement
- Windows
- Insulation
- Plumbing
- Sump pump
- Above floor
Plumbing
- Water heater
- Fixtures and faucets
- Sump pumps
- Sewage ejectors
- Drain, vent, and waste systems
Exterior
- Roof (including skylights, chimneys, and other roof penetrations)
- Downspouts and gutters
- Eaves, fascia, and soffits (if visible)
- Exterior siding
- Wall coverings, flashing, and trim
- Exterior doors
- Garages and carports
- Balconies, decks, steps, porches, and railings
- Driveways, patios, and walkways
- Grading, drainage, plants, and retaining walls
- Crawl space
Electrical
- Service cables, raceways, and entrance conductors
- Grounding, main disconnects, service equipment, and drops
- Overcurrent protection devices
- Circuit interrupters
- Light fixtures, power switches, and receptacles
- HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), including access panels, vents, thermostats, distribution systems, insulation, and vapor retarders
Santa Cruz Homes for Sale: What Inspections Are Needed When Buying a House in Santa Cruz, CA?
If you're considering one of those fantastic Santa Cruz properties, prioritizing thorough inspections before sealing the deal is crucial. This vital phase can save you from future headaches and unexpected costs, as a proper inspection will catch any hidden issues before they evolve into frustrating nuisances or expensive repairs. The inspection phase is especially important given that Santa Cruz's proximity to the ocean and salt, humidity, and seismic activity can present unique challenges.
Each small town near Santa Cruz—whether it’s Beachfront Santa Cruz, Capitola, Scotts Valley, Soquel, or Felton—has its characteristics that may require a tailored inspection approach. Thus, what may be a significant concern when looking at homes for sale in Aptos, CA, may not necessarily be the same as when exploring Los Gatos homes for sale; it’s vital to understand the specific inspections you may need. Before finalizing your purchase, ensure you are well-informed and prepared to take action!
1. A general home inspection in Santa Cruz A general inspection often focuses on the property’s exterior and interior components, such as exterior and interior walls, driveways, HVAC, doors, windows, side grading, and walkways.
In coastal Santa Cruz, the salty air accelerates the wear on exterior components. Neighboring areas like Watsonville and Felton, with aging infrastructure or forested surroundings, may have their own concerns, such as tree damage.
Key Issues to Look for:
- Coastal wear on exterior siding
- Moisture damage to foundations or roofs
- Older homes often have outdated plumbing or electrical systems.
2. Termite Inspection: A Must for Santa Cruz Properties
Given Santa Cruz's humid environment and the preponderance of wooden structures, termite inspections are valuable. Coastal communities like Capitola and Aptos and forested regions like Felton are particularly susceptible to termite infestations. No area is safe from infestations, not even San Lorenzo, Felton, or Scotts Valley, which are largely inland.
Key Issues to Look for:
- Wood damage in foundations, walls, and attics
- Signs of pest activity in basements or crawl spaces
3. Mold and Moisture Inspection in Coastal Areas
You should always pay attention to a moisture and mold inspection report, particularly when looking at homes for sale in Aptos, CA, or in Santa Cruz's coastal neighborhoods. These properties are susceptible to elevated humidity levels, increasing the danger of mold and moisture issues. Even mountain towns like Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley can face moisture buildup because of their cooler climates.
Key Issues to Look for:
- Mold in basements, crawl spaces, or attics
- Water damage around windows, doors, and foundations
4. Roof Inspection
Some homes for sale in Aptos, Felton, and other areas affected by coastal winds, salt, and rain will likely have roof damage issues. Debris from surrounding trees can also cause damage in forested areas like Felton, Soquel, and Los Gatos.
Furthermore, certain towns and cities in Santa Cruz are famous for their older homes. The roofs of some older homes may need more recent updates, underscoring the importance of this inspection. The primary reasons for the older roofs in a few homes in these regions are their historical significance, age, and government preservation efforts. Many of these roofs not only contribute to the towns' character but also reflect the architectural styles and building practices of their respective eras.
Key Issues to Look for:
- Salt corrosion on metal roofs
- Water pooling or leaks due to clogged gutters or damaged shingles
- Moss or debris buildup, particularly in forested areas
5. Sewer and Septic System Inspection in Santa Cruz
Those homes for sale in Soquel, Felton, and other rural parts of Santa Cruz likely rely on septic systems. Older sewage systems could need upgrades, even within municipal borders. A check of the sewer and septic systems is essential to verify their optimum functioning and adherence to municipal guidelines.
Key Issues to Look for:
- Blockages or leaks in sewer lines
- Septic tank capacity and drainage field functionality
6. Chimney Inspection: Necessary in Scotts Valley, Felton, and Bonny Doon
Many properties in Santa Cruz County's frigid mountainous areas, like Scotts Valley, Felton, and Bonny Doon, feature fireplaces or wood-burning stoves. Experts underscore the need for regular chimney inspections to reduce potential risks, especially the threat of creosote accumulation, which may result in catastrophic fires. Furthermore, even oceanfront properties in Santa Cruz and Aptos can have outdated, non-functional chimneys that require comprehensive inspections to ensure safety, avoid dangers, and address other concerns, such as costly repairs in the future.
Key Issues to Look for:
- Creosote buildup in chimneys
- Cracked or damaged chimney linings
- Wildlife or debris blocking in unused chimneys
7. Earthquake Safety Inspection in Los Gatos and Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz and other municipalities like Los Gatos are located in a seismically active region, underscoring the need for earthquake safety checks. Properties built before adopting modern earthquake regulations may require retrofitting to improve seismic resilience. This assessment is crucial for older residences, even in regions like Aptos, Felton, and Soquel, where foundations and structural reinforcements may not comply with current safety regulations.
Key Issues to Look for:
- Lack of foundation anchoring or retrofitting
- Cracks in the foundation or walls
- Structural reinforcements for earthquake resistance
Other inspections to consider for any property in Santa Cruz include:
- Radon levels in basements or crawl spaces
- Asbestos in insulation or flooring
- Lead-based paint in homes built before 1978
- Leaks in the pool or spa system
- Proper functioning of water heaters and pumps
- Compliance with safety standards, including pool fencing
Ensuring a Smooth Home Buying Experience in Santa Cruz
By addressing issues like termites, mold, seismic safety, and aging systems, buyers can protect their investment and secure peace of mind for years to come. See below for a list of Home and Pest Inspection Services.
Paul Burrowes, CRS, CCEC, SFR, NHCP, LHC, REALTOR® Licensed REALTOR® with over 15 years of experience and expertise. Commits to being on time and transparent. Acts as your consultant to ensure you make the best decisions to fit your transaction at every step in the process. Negotiates towards a low stress, win-win outcome. Handles all the details for you, ensuring the hundreds of steps in your real estate transaction go smoothly. Proudly serving Silicon Valley, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Santa Clara Counties! | DRE# 01955563 | (831) 295-5130 | paul@burrowes.com |
Home Inspection Services
Reliance Inspection, Karl V. Ledig, 831-440-1100, Karl@Relianceinspection.com
Home Tech, Bob Williams, 831-335-2090, 831-535-8171, bob@homtech.com
BPG Inspections , Tyson Durm, (831) 295-2259, tyson.durm@bpginspections.com
Lawrence Real Estate Inspections, Jorel Keefauver, 831-247-5641, jorel@lawrenceinspections.com
Home Guard Inspections, Ashley Steffenson, (408) 728-1693, ASteffenson@HomeGuard.com
Country Home Inspection, Clive Belvoir, 831-609-6037, countryhomeinspection@gmail.com
Moorehouse Inspection Services, Donald Moorehouse, 831-295-3194, reilly2004@sbcglobal.net
View Point Inspections, Jason Gingery, 831-345-7007, jasongee13@gmail.com
Acme Building Consultants, Mike Freinberg, 831.420.7606, info@acmebuildingconsultants.com
Insight Inspections, Trevor Powers, 831-331-0060, trevor.insightinspections@gmail.com
American Inspection Service , Jack Mancarella, 831-588-3854, amerinspect@comcast.net
Sunset Home Inspection, Richard Navarro, 408-204-8162, sunsethomeinspection@outlook.com
Pest Inspection Services
O2 Termite, Bob Owens, 831-359-1645, o2termite@gmail.com
4-Less Termite, Chris Finn, 831-465-1699, 4less@4lesstermite.com
The Terminators, Will McCoy, 408-298-3920, lisa@theterminators.com
Home Guard Inspections, Ashley Steffenson, (408) 728-1693, ASteffenson@HomeGuard.com
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