Whether you are a first-time home-buyer or a current homeowner looking to trade up or downsize, you will likely be attending some open houses during your search for your next home. Regardless of how many times you’ve purchased, there are always things that homebuyers miss when they’re touring prospective properties. To help you make the most of every open house you attend, we’ve put together some key tips to keep in mind before, during, and after your visit.
Come Prepared
Before you even step foot in an open house, a little preparation goes a long way. Sit down and make a list of your non-negotiables versus your nice-to-haves. Non-negotiables might include the number of bedrooms, proximity to work or school, or a minimum lot size. Nice-to-haves might be things like a finished basement, a large ensuite, or a gourmet kitchen. Knowing the difference between the two will help you evaluate each property more objectively and prevent you from dismissing a great home over something minor — or falling in love with one that doesn’t meet your core needs.
Consider bringing a checklist with you so nothing slips through the cracks. Jot down notes or take photos as you walk through each room. This will be especially helpful if you’re visiting multiple properties in one day, as details can start to blur together quickly.
Slow Down & Take Your Time
Buying a house is your biggest investment, so why wouldn’t you want to slow down and take your time when viewing a property? Our agents noted that often times, people miss details such as whether or not the garage is big enough, how much sun exposure the house gets during the daytime and what sorts of repair and maintenance is going to be required to maintain and upkeep the property (such as the size of the yard and the condition of the roof). Another important point to keep in mind is to check both the inside and the outside of the home.
It can be easy to get swept up in the excitement of a beautiful staging or a freshly renovated kitchen, but try to look past the décor and focus on the bones of the home — ceiling height, natural light, the flow between rooms, and the overall condition of walls, floors, and fixtures.
Look Beyond the Staging
A well-staged home can be deceiving. Carefully placed furniture, fresh paint, and stylish décor are designed to make a space feel inviting — but don’t let that distract you from what really matters. Pay close attention to the structural and functional aspects of the home, such as the condition of the windows, the age of the roof, the state of the flooring underneath any rugs, and whether there are any visible signs of water damage or settling. These are the kinds of details that can have a major impact on your budget down the road.
Check the Inside and Outside
It’s easy to spend most of your time inside the home, but the exterior deserves just as much attention. Walk around the outside of the property and take note of the condition of the roof, siding, gutters, driveway, and foundation. Look at the size of the yard and think about how much upkeep it will require. Consider the home’s orientation — how much sun does it get throughout the day? A south-facing backyard might be a dream in the summer but something worth thinking through for your lifestyle and energy costs.
Upgrades & Wants vs. Needs
Upgrades are a huge factor to keep in mind when shopping for your dream home. It is a lot easier (and cheaper!) to re-paint the walls or replace cabinet hardware in the kitchen and bathroom than it is to re-work the floor plan of the house. Are the rooms big enough (with storage) to fit your belongings in? Will the property require any renovations or repairs to get it to the standard you want? Does it have everything you want, as well as what you need? Cosmetic upgrades can be easily done and are relatively low in cost, while major upgrades such as renovations or re-designing the floor plan can very quickly add up in cost.
Factor Upgrade Costs Into Your Budget
It’s worth factoring the cost of any required upgrades into your overall budget before making an offer. A home priced slightly lower might actually end up costing more in the long run if it requires significant work to bring it up to your standards. Get a rough sense of what renovations might cost so you can make a truly informed decision when comparing properties.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
Clients sometime avoid asking questions for fear of ‘bothering’. You need to know that you matter and we are here to accompany you throughout the buying process, so that you know you’re aren’t out there on their own. Our top priority is to find you the perfect home and we will be with you every step of the way. Never feel that you are inconveniencing us by asking questions, we are here to support you and help you navigate through every step in the home buying process.
Go Back and Take a Second Look
One of the most important things to remember is that it’s a good idea to go back and take a second look at a property you viewed and liked. There is a lot to take in when viewing a home, so revisiting the property and having another look around is always a good idea. It not only lets you get a second feel for the space, you might also notice something that you didn’t see before.
Visit at a Different Time of Day
On your second visit, try going at a different time of day than your first. If you visited in the morning, come back in the evening — and vice versa. This will give you a better sense of how the light changes throughout the day, how busy the street gets at different hours, and what the neighborhood feels like at various times. You may find that the quiet street you visited on a Sunday morning is considerably busier on a weekday afternoon.
Bring a Fresh Set of Eyes
If possible, bring a trusted friend or family member along for your second visit. Sometimes an outside perspective will catch things you overlooked. A second visit is always a great opportunity to take measurements, spend more time in the spaces that matter most to you, and start picturing how your furniture and lifestyle would actually fit into the home.
Purchasing a homeis one of the most significant decisions you will ever make. By slowing down, knowing what you’re looking for, leaning on your agent (hey there!), and taking the time to revisit properties you love, you’ll be setting yourself up for a confident and informed purchase. Happy house hunting!
Original post by RE/MAX, LLC