What to Look for When Viewing a Property: Buyer Checklist
- caitlinleetolley
- Sep 7, 2024
- 4 min read
First things first, before you even step foot in a home, you want to drive by the street and check out the neighborhood. There's a reason you hear the phrase, "location, location, location" a lot when people are discussing home value. Take note of neighbor's properties, are they well kept? You want to be sure that this home will be a good investment, but most importantly you want the street to be safe for your family.
An important note here With todays technology its pretty safe to assume there will be some form of surveillance on the property. Home security cameras may be capturing what you are saying and doing. Its best to keep comment respectful during the showing, and address anything sensitive with your agent afterwards. You never want to insult anyone, and you also don't want to show your cards! With that, lets get into the things you want to be looking at when you view a property:
Look past furniture and staging.
A well staged home can highlight a property's true potential, but remember, none of that furniture will be coming with the purchase. Its so easy to become swept up in a beautifully decorated home, especially when you factor in how most of our decisions are driven by emotions. I want you to ask yourself, Can I envision my stuff here?, Do I see myself spending time here?, Does the house flow and function the way I need it to? Look beyond surface level.
Floor Condition.
Check for any cracked tiles or missing grout. Is the hardwood scratched from furniture or pets? Are the carpets worn? If the condition of the floors is something you can't live with, is it within your budget to replace it? One item you can ask your Realtor to bring in their bag is a golf ball or marble. If you notice major sloping, just place the ball in the middle of the room and see if it rolls. This could indicate a possible structural issue that could be costly down the road to fix.
Walls and Ceilings.
Large cracks can indicate foundation problems, and discoloration usually indicates water damage. Check the fresh paint job and look for signs of a cover-up. Wall-paper that is peeling or looks bubbly is also an indicator of possible issues.
Examine Appliances.
These can be costly to replace, so look for any dents or major scratches. Is the fridge cooling things properly? Fixtures like blinds also tend to stay with the home so take a look at the shape of these items as well.
Kitchen drawers and closets.
We want to get a good feel for the amount of storage a home has to offer, and we also want to note if the drawers open and close properly. Keep in mind, you don't want to cross a line into "snooping" territory, so dresser drawers are off limits!
Use your nose!
Some odors are harder to remove than others, cigarette smoke and pet accidents on carpet immediately come to mind. But, mildew and musty smells can indicate underlying issues with water leaks or damage. Also note if there appears to be an abundance of scent plug ins throughout the home...either the owner really likes Bath and Body Works, or they might be trying to cover something up.
Windows.
Take note of the age and condition of the windows. Take a minute to open a few and check if the cranks are working properly, and if they open and close smoothly. If not, it could indicate a possibly structural issue, or be a sign of poor installation.
HVAC once over.
Your home inspector will give this area a thorough check, but you can quickly look and see if the unit appears to be clean. Look at the surrounding pipes for any obvious leaks, cracks, or signs of rust.
Basement.
The main thing we are looking for in this area is evidence of dampness and water damage. Some tell-tale signs will be musty air, water stains on walls or floor, and white mineral deposits called efflorescence. Also, check for a sump pump, it can prevent water from filling up in a basement, and indicates the owners are taking proper measures to prevent flooding.
Foundation Exterior.
Vertical cracks are usually indicators of a house settling, and while they may not indicate a structural problem, they can allow moisture to enter the home. Horizontal cracks, however, are a cause for concern. They almost always indicate a foundation issue, and while fixable, can be costly.
The Roof.
Scan the roof for any missing or rotting shingles, do the best you can from the ground. Another area here you can take a glance at is the gutters. Are they cleaned and free from debris? If not, it could be a sign of a poorly maintained home. Your home inspection will cover this area and the listing agent will be able to tell you the age of the roof.
The Outside.
Once you have accessed the state of the yard and landscaping, note the condition of the fence. If the fence appears to be leaning and in need of some work, ask the listing agent about the relationship with the neighbors. Fences are costly to replace, and cause quite a few disputes when it comes to who's paying for it, and where the property lines actually are...trust me on this one!
Noise.
The last thing I want you to do while outside is stand still and take in the surrounding noise level. Can you hear nearby traffic? Can you hear nearby shops or businesses? Are nearby school bells going to be an issue? One thing that can help here is you can ask you Realtor to knock on some neighbors doors and ask about their experience living on the particular street. This could help you gain some valuable intel!
Hopefully this list gave you a good idea of what to look for on your next showing or open house! Be sure to print it out or pull it up on your phone next time your doing a home viewing for assistance! Don't forget to turn to your Realtor for help, we want to protect you in the purchase of your home, and we are always on the lookout to protect your family and investment! Comment below if you got some value from this post, or if you can think of anything missing on my list!
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