Could this house be hard to insure?
Ask early enough that the answer is useful.
Washington’s Office of the Insurance Commissioner says insurers may consider things like the age and material of the roof and the age of the heating, plumbing and electrical systems. An insurer may also require a property inspection.
Old roof?
Don’t assume it is automatically a deal breaker—or automatically fine. Ask an insurer about the actual roof and the actual policy.
Older systems?
Heating, plumbing and electrical age can be underwriting questions. Carrier requirements are not all the same.
Get a real quote. I can help spot the questions. An insurance professional should tell you whether a carrier will write the policy, what it requires and what it will cost.
If you’re financing the purchase, your lender may have insurance requirements too. This is one of those things worth checking before it becomes a last-minute closing problem.
Also weighing the condition and replacement timing? Read this next →
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