What Texas-specific things do we need to watch for when buying house? (Austin: brokers, houses)

[europeanone]

I am talking about structural issues that come up more in Texas than in NY/NJ, where I come from. Things such as foundation issues due to heat, irrigation, A/C and roofing issues due to summer heat, etc.

Here is a list that someone sent me, which contains things we don't have to deal with in the northeast:

Newer the better 2006 or later (Technological advantages much more/more efficient)
Radiant heat barriers
Ultra ray protection on windows
Tank less water heater
6 “ insulation barrier
Some spec homes “guarantee” how big electric bill will be
Pipes in wall for pest control (Scorpions, red ants and rodents). They shoot bug killer this way.
Make sure no one owns property around you so they cannot drill for oil.

We are looking in Plano 75024 and Coppell. Thanks for the advice!

[skids929]

Originally Posted by europeanone

I am talking about structural issues that come up more in Texas than in NY/NJ, where I come from. Things such as foundation issues due to heat, irrigation, A/C and roofing issues due to summer heat, etc.

Here is a list that someone sent me, which contains things we don't have to deal with in the northeast:

Newer the better 2006 or later (Technological advantages much more/more efficient)
Radiant heat barriers
Ultra ray protection on windows
Tank less water heater
6 “ insulation barrier
Some spec homes “guarantee” how big electric bill will be
Pipes in wall for pest control (Scorpions, red ants and rodents). They shoot bug killer this way.
Make sure no one owns property around you so they cannot drill for oil.

We are looking in Plano 75024 and Coppell. Thanks for the advice!

Yes, this list sounds pretty comprehensive, but some of the realtors here will know exactly what to look for. I would put an emphsis on one of the things in your list, which is what I refer to as Future Land use. You always want to know who owns what land and what it is zoned for around your property. This is most important in towns that aren't close to being built out yet. Town Hall should have a zoning map or on their website, some towns even have drilling overlays.

I would add builder reputation to this list if you build new.

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by europeanone

I am talking about structural issues that come up more in Texas than in NY/NJ, where I come from. Things such as foundation issues due to heat, irrigation, A/C and roofing issues due to summer heat, etc.

Here is a list that someone sent me, which contains things we don't have to deal with in the northeast:

Newer the better 2006 or later (Technological advantages much more/more efficient)
Radiant heat barriers
Ultra ray protection on windows
Tank less water heater
6 “ insulation barrier
Some spec homes “guarantee” how big electric bill will be
Pipes in wall for pest control (Scorpions, red ants and rodents). They shoot bug killer this way.
Make sure no one owns property around you so they cannot drill for oil.

We are looking in Plano 75024 and Coppell. Thanks for the advice!

Newer = more energy efficient: Not always. Some updated older homes can be more efficient than newer builds depending on the types of updates performed and the materials used.

Radiant barrier: Some people report severe mobile phone/wi-fi signal interference with radiant barriers.

Coated windows: This is a given. However, some older homes will have more energy-efficient windows than new builds depending on the materials used. Some new builds have crappy, inefficient, builder-grade windows.

Tankless water heater: Overrated.

Insulation: Go as thick as you can without promoting mold growth, but a new build is not guaranteed to have sufficient insulation.

Electric bill guarantee: I wouldn't trust that guarantee.

Pipes in wall for pest control: I have never heard of this ever. I live in an older home and do not have problems with bugs in my house. I have never seen ants or scorpions (LOL) in my house, ever.

Drilling rights: That's not something we concern ourselves with in this part of DFW. YMMV. Personally I wouldn't buy a house in any part of town where they're fracking for natural gas.

[TheOverdog]

I have never seen ants or scorpions (LOL) in my house, ever.

Scorpions (and huge centipedes -worst thing ever) in houses are a west/central texas thing. In DFW, you only have to watch out for Scorpions on the Eagle.

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by TheOverdog

Scorpions (and huge centipedes -worst thing ever) in houses are a west/central texas thing. In DFW, you only have to watch out for Scorpions on the Eagle.

I saw scorpions in Austin, but they weren't big. In DFW I'd be more worried about fire ants and water bugs (big giant shiny crunchy cockroaches).

[Rakin]

What is your price range ? Many of the features you mention are found only in newer homes. Coppell and Plano will be older homes (in most cases) and not have these features unless you get into the higher price ranges.

[stephwin]

I've only seen one scorpion in DFW that was in my house in Prosper in the early 2000s. It was probably about 3". I've never seen such weird bugs/lizards/critters in a house as I did when I lived there though, so take that into consideration.

[sossie]

Originally Posted by europeanone

I am talking about structural issues that come up more in Texas than in NY/NJ, where I come from. Things such as foundation issues due to heat, irrigation, A/C and roofing issues due to summer heat, etc.

Here is a list that someone sent me, which contains things we don't have to deal with in the northeast:

Newer the better 2006 or later (Technological advantages much more/more efficient)
Radiant heat barriers
Ultra ray protection on windows
Tank less water heater
6 “ insulation barrier
Some spec homes “guarantee” how big electric bill will be
Pipes in wall for pest control (Scorpions, red ants and rodents). They shoot bug killer this way.
Make sure no one owns property around you so they cannot drill for oil.

We are looking in Plano 75024 and Coppell. Thanks for the advice!

And possums! They're ugly looking things! We did get extra insulation in our house-we get house treated every 6 months for bugs-not structural but you should also check property taxes and hoa's (if any) dues/rules-these vary so much ......and the difference can be significant ...

[europeanone]

@Rakin, price range is up to $350K.

Thanks for the replies. It seems that a lot of what we are being told i about this has to do with brokers wanting to sell new construction....stealthy!

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by europeanone

@Rakin, price range is up to $350K.

Thanks for the replies. It seems that a lot of what we are being told i about this has to do with brokers wanting to sell new construction....stealthy!

Not really.. there is a lot to be said for an energy efficient home. Problem is in areas like Coppell and Plano in the $350k price range you'll probably be looking at a 8-15 year old home. Back in the 90's they built a lot of very high open 30' style ceilings, these homes do not have the latest and greatest energy efficiencies.

You want an high energy efficient home under $350k ? It probably will not be in Coppell or Plano.