What to look for when viewing homes
When out looking at homes either with your agent or by yourself make sure to bring your wish list with you. You will need your list to act as a reality check and keep you focused. The most important thing is that you look at each home objectively, particularly if you are a first time buyer. Working with an agent who is looking out for your interests instead of theirs will be a major advantage in these situations. Remember, that someday down the road, you will probably be selling your home, so buy something that will sell even when the market is slow. That beautiful craftsman beside the car repair shop will sell in a hot market but sit there for a long, long time when you go to sell it in a cooler market. Be a fussy buyer, it’s your money!
When viewing homes, try to visualize yourself sitting in the living room on a Sunday morning, cooking in the kitchen, coming home after a hard day’s work, your kids (and dog) running around the place or you are looking for quiet space to escape to. If you can’t see any of those things, time to look at the next property. If the answer is a “maybe”, you can always come back for a second look.
If you are interested in a particular home, then take the time to do a more thorough look. I have put together a free home inspection forms (see below) that you can use when viewing such homes. You can print out multiple copies of this form and take them with you when you go to preview properties. Note that if you do move forward with making an offer, you will have the option of doing a full inspection of the property conducted by a professional. But more on that later.
Write down the name of the property at the top of the home inspection form, add the date you visited and then start snooping. For example, when checking out floors, lift up all rugs and check underneath (are the owners hiding something). How does the place smell? Open every door and peek inside, walk outside and look at the roof, siding, etc. When viewing homes with buyers, I encourage them to give a name to each home they have viewed so when we review and compared later in the day it is so much easier to recall each home. Past examples include Smurff house, cat-pee home, wow-view home, perfect lawn home,” what were they thinking paint job” home and so on. Six months later, you will still be able to remember those homes in vivid detail!
If there are items that concern you, you could have your agent contact the seller’s agent to clarify them for you. Sometimes the Sellers Disclosure Statement (Form-17) may already be included with the property’s listing on the MLS so that you will know up front potential issues with the home (your agent should supply you with a copy).
