Before you buy a property, you have to view it and confirm that everything is as it should be. The following tips should help you maximize the benefits of the viewing stage of the home-purchase process.
Bring a Notebook
You will probably view multiple houses before you settle on one. You won’t remember all their details off your head, so you need to keep a notebook for all the relevant details. Note the square footage, age, signs of damage, and any notable features of all the homes you view. Use the information in the notebook to compare all the homes you view to make an informed decision.
Bring Someone With You
Get a second pair of eyes to help you view houses properly; get a friend or a family member to accompany you. Another person may spot details that you might not notice. For example, you might not know that streaks on the ceiling are signs of water damage. Your buddy may notice such signs and alert you to the possibility of water damage that requires further investigations.
Use All Your Senses
Although you go to view a house, your eyes are not the only senses you should use during the activity. Use your eyes, nose, and ears to know as much about the house as possible. Here are some of the ways your different senses may help you:
- Creaks from the floor may point to damaged floorboards.
- Moldy odors may point to water damage or mold infestation.
- Smell of fresh paint may mean the owner tried to hide something with a new coat of paint.
In short, investigate everything your senses pick up to ascertain the true state of the property you plan to buy.
View the Neighborhood Too
Don’t just focus on the home or structure you want to view; take the opportunity to view the neighborhood too. Watch out for signs of security such as kids on the street at dusk. Smell the air as you approach the house since that is the smell you will have to bear every day. Scan the neighborhood for signs of litter or uncollected damage.
Know the Danger Signs
Before you get to the actual house, educate yourself on the typical signs that should tell you a house is problematic. Watch out for these signs once you reach the property. Here are some of the specific things to watch out for:
- Condensation on windows — may point to inadequate ventilation
- Dark streaks or lines on the ceiling and walls — may point to water damage
- Difficult-to-operate windows and doors — may point to foundation problems
- Faded paint or long grass — may point to general neglect
You will have an easier time if you know what to look for than if you go in blind.
Ask Lots of Questions
Lastly, don’t just view the property; take the opportunity to ask the seller (agent or current owner) as many relevant questions as possible. For example, you can ask:
- How long the current owner has stayed in the property
- Why the owner wants to sell the property
- How long the property has been on the market
- If the owner has had any disputes with the neighbors
- Why the house smells, has streaks on the walls, or has sounds in the attic (or any anomalies you may notice)
The answers to these questions will help you know more about the house. You may even learn things you might not have learned if you had only walked through the property.
Hopefully, the tips above will help you get a good property that meets your needs. Involve Charles L. Moles Real Estate LLC right from the beginning of your house-purchase process to ensure everything goes right. Contact us today for all your property needs.
