Most people begin the home buying process by looking at
homes online and prioritizing their must-have features. Next contact a
qualified real estate agent to show you homes. This agent can also recommend
reputable lenders to get you pre-approved for a mortgage to clarify the price
range you can afford. Completing these things prepares you to make the best out
of seeing homes for sale in person and make an offer on the perfect house as
soon as you find it.
It is a good idea to wear slip-on shoes as many
well-prepared homes will have new carpet, and often the listing agent will have
posted a "please remove shoes" sign to help keep the flooring clean.
So what should you look for to make sure that you are getting a quality home
for your money?
What To Look For On The Outside Of A Home For Sale
Curb Appeal
Minor cosmetic defects such as ugly paint and missing spots
of grass are easily correctable, while structural defects and the location of
the home are not. Buying the worst looking home in the best neighborhood is
often a good bet for getting a great house.
Landscaping
Does the yard need a lot of landscaping and maintenance? Is
there sufficient drainage in the area? If you love to garden a home with
landscaping needs could be a great opportunity to get a home that others might
bypass. However if you don’t want to spend time working in the yard a home
needing lots of landscaping may be too much of a hassle or it could be as
simple as hiring a landscaper.
The Roof
What is the condition of the roof? The roof is one of the most expensive features
of a home and lasts 15 – 20 years. Find out how old it is or if there are any
issues with it. Are the gutters in good
shape? Make sure they drain several feet away from the house.
The Neighborhood
Check out the property at different times of day. Are people
out sitting on porches? Are kids playing outside? Is it noisy? You are bound to
learn and discover different things about the house each time.
What To Look For On The Inside Of A Home For Sale
Storage
Open the closets and cupboards. Is there enough storage
space? Will you need to add organization to the storage space to make it work
for you?
Leaks
Study the ceilings for telltale signs of stains or of a
recent patch job. Those could indicate a leaky roof or plumbing system. Use
your nose to smell for mold and also check for moisture and mold in basements.
Plumbing
Check the taps. Is the water pressure good? Does the water
drain easily? A few simple checks can help a buyer beware of any issues.
Electrical
Check the light switches. Do they work? Are there enough
outlets? How old is the electrical system? Electrical repairs can be expensive
so it is good to make sure everything is in good working condition.
The Structure
A small crack or two in the foundation is common in homes
due to settling. If there are a lot of cracks or large ones, have a home
inspection before you buy to identify any problems and make sure you know how
much it will cost you to deal with any structural issues.
Other Things To Consider When Looking At A Home For Sale
Take Visual and Written Notes
If you view lots of homes in the same day it is easy to get
them mixed up, so be prepared to take notes, with a pen and notebook and a
camera. Note the most remarkable features - both positive and negative - and
attach your notes and pictures to the listing sheet for future reference.
Try To Ignore the House Contents
Sometimes it is the contents of the
house and its presentation that appeals/or doesn't to a homebuyer. However the
contents are not the house itself, stay rational.
Hold the Trash Talk
The sellers may be listening as they are sometimes just
steps outside or next door. Sellers don't always understand that it's the most
interested buyers who pick the place apart to figure out exactly what they will
need to do to it to make it theirs. If you end up in a multiple offer
situation, you don't want to have an uphill battle because you badmouthed the
sequined butterfly "artwork" the seller had hanging in the hallway.
The Boehmer Team
The Boehmer Team includes experienced agents with a
dedicated buyers agent available to assist with the needs specific to
homebuyers. Contact The Boehmer Team to find the home of your dreams in the
area and price range you want.
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