There are a lot of steps that go into home buying and it may seem like touring the actual home is a no brainer, but there are plenty of key things to check that people often forget when touring a home for sale. Read on to find out more!
Don’t let aesthetics fool you
Homeowners put in a lot of work to get their home market-ready, but it’s your job to look beyond that fancy backsplash or the freshly painted walls. Keep your eyes peeled for transitions in flooring, paint, and molding changes. Keeping an eye on these subtle differences is key to finding hidden defects. There may be a water-damaged ceiling or floor or a crack in the wall that was recently filled and painted over. Check under sinks for mold or mildew, check the pipes for leaks, look for mouse poop in the pantry and crevices. Keep your eyes peeled now so you don’t end up paying for it later.
Keep your ears open
There is a lot going on when viewing a house, you might be chatting with your real estate agent or your partner but remember to take a few moments in silence particularly in bedrooms to listen for things like noisy neighbors or heavy traffic. If possible come back to view the house multiple times especially during rush hour and the evening.
Pro tip: Drive and walk around the neighborhood and check if there are any nightclubs or railroad tracks nearby. It’s better to find these things before moving in so you aren’t awoken at 3 am by loud partygoers or a whistling train.
Keep your ears open for any rustling sounds in the walls or ceilings, as this could indicate a pest problem. Most pests are nocturnal so if possible try to schedule a second viewing during the evening or nighttime. Other things to listen out for include sounds of dripping water in the kitchen and bathrooms from pipes, a leaky faucet or showerhead, or a running toilet! Be aware of an over-sanitized or bleached smell, this may indicate a past problem that the homeowner is trying to cover up and may become a current problem for you.
Use your sense of touch wisely!
When viewing a home it’s common to run hands over countertops and flick light switches but don’t be afraid to take it a step further. Check the walls for any signs of dampness to determine possible water leaks, especially when viewing an older home. It’s also a great idea to turn on all faucets to check the water pressure and see how long it takes for the water to get hot.
Don’t forget your feet!
Being mindful of your feet touching the floor will help determine if the floor is level or uneven or if the surface is too slippery for an aging dog or young kids.
Use your phone
You will be doing a lot of home searching so and it’s easy to forget which house had which features. Don’t be afraid to take photos and videos and even jot down notes about the home on your phone. When you get home you will be able to review and refresh your memory and you will thank yourself later!
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Published on 2021-07-30 10:10:34
