Should you buy a move-in ready home?

Move-in ready is a legal phrase to describe homes that meet local municipal requirements for habitability.

Move-in ready homes exhibit three common characteristics:

1. structurally sound and safe
2. Plumbing, electricity, and windows and doors are operational
3. free from pests and infections

The legal definition of move-in ready differs from its practical definition.

For a first-time home buyer, a “move-in ready house” is a home that does not require any repairs or renovations. Buyers also refer to move-in ready homes as turnkey homes or plug-and-play homes.

Move-in ready homes are the opposite of fixer-upper homes.

This helpful article explains the legal and practical definitions of move-in ready homes. It includes a flowchart to help you choose whether buying a move-in ready home is right for you or not.

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What is move-in ready home?

The legal definition of a move-in ready home is a home that is suitable for immediate occupancy and meets local government safety, health and building code standards.

However, in real estate marketing, the phrase “move-in ready” indicates that buyers can buy the home and move in without repairs, maintenance or improvements.

Examples of move-in ready homes include newly constructed homes and restored homes.

Buyers of a move-in ready home can expect the home’s major systems, including electrical, plumbing and HVAC, to be functional and certified by a licensed home inspector, and to be structurally sound. The move-in ready homes have no known hazards and no building code violations.

A move-in ready home will be in perfect working order – even if its paint colors don’t match your style or its kitchen appliances are out of date.

Move-in ready homes are popular because buyers can receive their keys and move in the same day. They are also eligible to purchase in conjunction with the best loans for first time buyers including all conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans.

Buying a turnkey home reduces the stress and cost of buying your first home.

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Why buy a move-in ready home?

Buying a move-in ready home can be more convenient and lets you settle into your new home faster than buying other home types like fixer-uppers and new construction.

saving time

Move-in ready homes don’t require significant repairs or upgrades, so first-time buyers can take possession immediately after closing. They are popular with buyers on time-related deadlines or who need a quick move, including those who want to break their leases, move out of their parents’ home, or out-of-state. want to buy

Less Stress

Buying a move-in ready home takes away the stress of living in the midst of home renovation and home construction. Buyers of turnkey homes can move in and decorate immediately instead of having to plan construction and coordinate daily with contractors and laborers.

Estimated cost

Move-in ready homes often sell for higher prices than comparable fixer-upper homes and homes that need repairs, but with a move-in ready home, there are no unexpected renovation costs. It is easier for home buyers to stay within their budget when they buy move-in ready homes.

peace of mind

It’s a comfort to know your new home is safe, structurally sound, and compliant with local building codes. Move-in ready homes provide emotional and financial security that fixer-uppers and as-is homes cannot.

low maintenance

In a move-in ready home, every system, finish, and appliance is fixed or new and signed off by a licensed home inspector. Therefore, buyers can expect their homes to require less maintenance in the first ten years of homeownership than other homes, which makes homeownership more affordable and reduces financial stress.

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8 Features of Move-in Ready Home

When you buy a move-in ready home, you are buying peace of mind that your new home is safe, secure and structurally sound.

Move-in ready homes meet the following eight standards.

plumbing and pipe work

Running water is a top priority for any home. The drains of the move-in ready home will be clean and free from blockages, and the taps will provide clean water.

Modern electrical outlets and wiring

Move-in ready homes meet the National Electrical Code. There shall be a working electrical outlet in every kitchen, bedroom, living space and family room. The distance of outlets shall be as per electrical norms and not near running water.

leak proof roof and exterior

A move-in ready home’s roof will be free of major and minor damage, including leaks, loose shingles, and discoloration. In addition, the gutter and drainage systems will remain intact. The interior of the home will show no evidence of water damage from the failed roof.

For homes with siding, all pieces of siding must be structurally sound. For brick homes, all tuckpointing will be up-to-date and complete.

Major Equipment Included

Move-in ready homes will include refrigerators, freezers, stoves, washing machines, heating and cooling systems, and dishwashers. Appliances are not required to meet energy efficiency standards and may be nearing their replacement age.

Floor and walls are flat and level

The move-in ready home will have flat floors, and even walls. There shall be no obvious holes, water spots or physical deformities. Molding will be aligned around doors and windows. Doors and windows will open and close as expected. There shall be no gap between the ceiling and the walls and floor.

Windows and door locks work

The windows and doors of the move-in ready home will have secure locking mechanisms. Single- and double-pane windows will lock from inside the home, and first-floor windows will have security sensors. The double-locking mechanism will work in the outer doors. For homes with biometric key systems, the system memory is wiped prior to move-in.

Heating and cooling systems are tuned

In a move-in ready home, the heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system will have new filters, clean vents, and working fan belts. Refrigerants will be at acceptable levels, and there will be no evidence of pest infestation.

the house is livable

A move-in ready home will have an occupancy certificate and comply with local building codes.

5 Types of Move-in Ready Homes

“Move-in ready” is a term for homes that are habitable immediately after purchase.

To be considered move-in ready, a home must be safe, structurally sound, and conform to local building codes. Move-in ready homes come in a variety of styles and can be of any size or age.

Here are five types of “move-in ready” homes.

new construction homes

New construction homes are brand new homes, often in planned communities, with no prior residents. They are built by general contractors, independent homebuilders and homebuilder companies.

New construction homes feature the latest design trends and technology and are energy-efficient. They are up-to-date with current building codes and built to last.

New construction homes can also be customized. Builders and buyers collaborate to select layouts, finishes and flooring, so every new home is built to specification and the buyer’s exact needs.

New construction homes can take up to a year to be built.

Which is the cheapest house to build? Find out here.

model homes

Model homes are homes built by home builders to showcase their work in their new housing developments.

Builders furnish and decorate model homes to impress potential buyers. Model units feature fancy upgrades such as high-end appliances, top-of-the-line finishes, and designer light fixtures. They showcase the best of what builders can create.

When you buy a model home from a builder, you get a move-in ready home with all the upgrades included – often at a discount to the listing price of a comparable home.

renovated house

Renovated homes are homes that have been updated and improved for resale.

Renovated homes may have a new kitchen or bathroom, a new roof or updated flooring, and other modern features that are not present in older housing stock.

Renovated homes are often equipped with energy-efficient features, including double-pane windows and high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioners.

Many renovated homes are ready to move in.

flipped houses

A “flipped home” is a home that is purchased, quickly renovated, then resold as a move-in ready property.

Move-in-ready flipped homes may have new plumbing and electrical systems, landscaping and gutters, and finishes. Flippers can also fix flipped homes for mold and pest infestations. Flipped homes are safe, structurally sound like other move-in ready homes, and comply with local building codes.

As with all home purchases, first-time buyers should inspect the flipped home at an open house and with a home inspector. Many home flippers use quality materials and sound renovation techniques, but some will not. A licensed home inspector will uncover potential problems and protect your housing investment.

condominiums and townhomes

Not all condominiums and townhomes are move-in ready. However, because a condo’s homeowner’s association (HOA) maintains its common areas and exteriors, including the roof, walls, and windows, a well-maintained condo unit may be nearly move-in ready.

Read more about condominiums here.

Which Should I Buy: New Construction, Move-In Ready, or Fixer-Upper?