When you’re in the market for a new home, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the details involved. Though open houses can be exciting and fun for prospective homeowners, it’s important to pay close attention to all of the crucial information being presented.
Not sure how to go about your next open house visit in order to get the most well-rounded experience possible? Here are some of our top suggestions regarding what you should pay specific attention to at your next open house.
Quality of Location
The first step to a successful open house visit occurs before you even arrive. Look up the home’s address on an online location service such as Google Maps and take note of what’s around. Are there schools nearby? How close is the home to a busy thoroughfare? What kind of amenities could you expect within walking or quick driving distance? You can learn a lot about the neighborhood even before you tour the home. We also suggest taking a drive around the neighborhood and community to further familiarize yourself with the surrounding area.
Exterior Details
Before you enter the home to tour, there are a few things you should notice. Does the house appear to be level? Are there any trees or other large plants on the property? Does the roof appear to be in good shape? The owner or realtor on-site will be able to tell you exactly when the roof was last repaired or replaced.
Interior Details
Pay attention to how you feel once you enter the home. Do you feel comfortable? Do you feel cramped? Check for signs of age in the floors, walls, windows, and doors such as cracking, sloping, or peeling. Don’t be afraid to ask the owner as many questions as you need to; all of the information you gain will help to inform your offer, should you decide to make one.
