3 Things to Check Before Buying an Older Rialto Home

What should you check before buying an older home in Rialto, CA?

Start with three things: the sewer line, the home’s insurance options, and the permit history.

A general home inspection is important, but it doesn’t always tell you everything you need to know about an older property. Some of the most expensive surprises are things you can’t see during a normal walkthrough.

And Rialto has plenty of older homes.

That can be a good thing. Older homes may have larger lots, mature landscaping, established neighborhoods, and features you don’t always find in newer construction.

But they may also come with decades of repairs, updates, additions, and changes made by previous owners.

Here are three things I would want checked early in escrow.

1. Get the Sewer Line Checked

The sewer line is one of those things most buyers never think about until there’s a problem.

And unfortunately, sewer problems can get expensive.

A general home inspector will usually check the visible plumbing inside the home, but that doesn’t show you what is happening underground between the house and the sewer connection.

That’s where a sewer scope comes in.

A plumber or sewer inspection company runs a small camera through the line so you can see what condition it is in.

They may find things like:

• Tree roots growing into the line

• Cracks or damaged sections

• Pipes that have shifted

• Low spots where water collects

• Older pipe materials that may eventually need replacement

If you’re buying an older Rialto home, I would strongly consider doing the sewer scope at the same time as your general inspection.

And ask for the video, not just the written report.

If something shows up, you can send the video to a plumber and get an estimate while you are still within your investigation period.

Why this matters

Imagine buying a 1950s or 1960s home that looks great during the inspection.

Then the sewer camera finds roots and a damaged section under the front yard.

That isn’t necessarily a reason to walk away.

But now you know what you’re dealing with.

You can get an estimate and decide whether to ask the seller for a repair, credit, price adjustment, or another solution.

It is much better to find out before closing than after.

2. Check the Insurance Before You Remove Contingencies

Home insurance has become a much bigger part of buying a home in California.

I would not wait until the end of escrow to start shopping for coverage.

Older homes can sometimes be harder or more expensive to insure depending on the condition and age of certain parts of the property.

Two things I would pay close attention to are the roof and electrical panel.

Check the roof

Find out:

• Approximately how old the roof is

• Whether there is documentation or a permit for a replacement

• Whether the inspector sees signs of leaks or damage

• How much useful life may be left

• Whether there are flat roof sections or additions tied into the original roof

Insurance companies may have different rules about roof age and condition.

A roof that still looks fine to you could still affect your insurance choices.

Check the electrical panel

Older homes may also have older electrical systems.

Some homes built or updated decades ago may still have electrical panels that certain insurance companies do not like to cover.

Two names you may hear during an inspection are Federal Pacific and Zinsco.

Finding one doesn’t automatically mean you shouldn’t buy the home.

It does mean you should investigate further.

You may want an electrician to inspect it and your insurance agent to confirm whether it affects your coverage.

Don't guess about insurance

As soon as you are in escrow, start getting insurance quotes.

Give the insurance agent as much information as you can about the home, including the roof, electrical panel, plumbing, and any major updates.

You want to know what your options and estimated costs are before you remove your contingencies.

3. Check the Permit History

This is another big one with older homes.

Over the years, homeowners make changes.

They convert garages.

They enclose patios.

They add bedrooms.

They build family rooms.

They add bathrooms or other living space.

Sometimes the work was permitted.

Sometimes it wasn't.

That doesn't automatically make the home a bad purchase, but you should understand exactly what you're buying.

Compare the records

Look at the square footage and bedroom count shown in:

• The MLS listing

• County records

• City permit records

• Seller disclosures

If the listing says the home is 1,800 square feet but the public records show 1,350 square feet, that's something worth investigating.

Where did the extra space come from?

Was there an addition?

Was a patio enclosed?

Was a garage converted?

Was the work permitted?

Those are questions to answer before moving forward.

Why permits matter

Unpermitted work can potentially affect:

• Your appraisal

• Your insurance

• Future repairs or improvements

• Your ability to sell the home later

It doesn't always mean you need to walk away.

But you should know about it before deciding what the property is worth to you.

The City of Rialto's Building & Safety Division can help with permit records. Request them early because records can take time to locate.

And make sure you carefully review the seller's disclosures for any mention of additions, conversions, repairs, or work done without permits.

Start These Checks Early

Your investigation period can go by quickly.

If you're buying an older Rialto home, don't wait until the last few days to start asking questions.

Early in escrow:

1. Schedule your general inspection and sewer scope.

2. Start getting homeowners insurance quotes.

3. Request available permit records.

4. Review the seller disclosures carefully.

5. Get estimates for anything that needs more investigation.

The goal isn't to find a perfect house.

Most older homes will have something.

The goal is to understand what you're buying before you're fully committed.

When you have the right information, you can make a better decision and negotiate based on real numbers instead of guesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a sewer scope if the home inspection didn't find plumbing problems?

For an older home, I would still strongly consider one.

A general inspection looks at the plumbing that can be seen and tested inside the home. A sewer scope lets you see what is happening inside the underground sewer line.

Those are two different inspections.

Can I buy a home with a Federal Pacific or Zinsco electrical panel?

Possibly.

But don't assume your insurance company will be okay with it.

Have the panel evaluated and talk with your insurance agent before removing contingencies. If replacement is recommended or required for coverage, you can get an estimate and discuss your options with the seller.

Is an unpermitted garage conversion a deal-breaker?

Not necessarily.

But you need to know what was done, whether the space is included in the home's advertised square footage, and how it could affect your appraisal, insurance, future improvements, and resale.

Check the city records and discuss what you find with your real estate agent.

Thinking About Buying an Older Home in Rialto?

Older homes can have a lot to offer, especially if you're looking for an established neighborhood, more outdoor space, or a home with a little more character.

You just want to know what you're buying.

If you're looking at homes in Rialto or anywhere in the Inland Empire, I can help you understand what to check, what questions to ask, and how to use the information you find when making your offer or negotiating during escrow.

Call or text me at 949-484-9486.

Amanda Zito, REALTOR® | Real Brokerage | CA DRE #01740063 | TX TREC #840088 | SoldByZito.com