At first glance, house hunting and dating have nothing in common. But take a closer look and you will see they are actually quite similar. You browse through listings, swipe right on the ones that catch your eye, and arrange a meet-up to see if there’s any chemistry. However, like a first date, a house viewing can be nerve-wracking. What if the house doesn’t live up to your expectations? What if you miss something crucial? With the tips and tricks from this article, you will make the most of your house viewing just like a seasoned pro and increase your chances of finding “the one”.
1. Be Prepared: Never go on a house tour without preparing beforehand. Here are the things you should do to approach the house viewing with confidence and make a well-informed decision:
- Conduct research on the surrounding area, including the neighborhood’s security.
- Create a checklist of things to investigate so you are less likely to miss any important details.
- Ask someone, such as a family member or a friend, to accompany you. A fresh pair of eyes can help you notice things you might have missed and raise concerns you didn’t think about.
2. Don’t Let The Staging Distract You From What Really Matters: Some house sellers are really good at home staging and can make the house look amazing during a house tour. It is easy to get swept away by the charm of a beautifully staged house, so remember to stay focused on the task at hand.
Pay attention to what is really important in a living space. Look for signs of dampness or water damage on the walls. Check the condition of the floors. Examine the windows and doors. Those things really matter when investigating a house, not the well-placed decorations, fresh flowers, or pleasant aroma.
3. Check The Utilities: Utilities provide the basic necessities of life, so you want to ensure that these systems are in good working condition. Here is a list of things to look for when touring the property:
- Check that the electrical outlets are functional.
- Turn on the faucets and check the water pressure.
- Check for hot water and see if it heats up quickly.
- See if all the lights in the house turn on and off without flickering.
- Check the cell phone signal strength and the Internet speed.
- Examine the gas appliances.
- Test the heating and cooling systems.
4. Find A House That Fits Your Lifestyle: When it comes to buying a house, what may be a perfect fit for someone else may not work for you. That is why it’s important to take the time to think about what you truly want and need in a home. For example, if you have a lot of belongings, you may require a house with spacious storage space. This could mean looking for homes with walk-in closets, extra storage rooms, or even a garage. Or if you require a low noise level for any reason, make sure the house has good soundproofing and is far away from busy roads.
5. Don’t Forget The Exterior: It is easy to get caught up in the interior details and overlook the exterior. However, the exterior of a house is just as important as the inside, indicating the level of maintenance and potential structural issues. Some features you should pay attention to are:
- Garden – Is the garden well-maintained? Is it suitable for activities you enjoy, such as gardening, barbecuing, or throwing a ball around with the kids?
- Brickwork: Are there any cracks or signs of damage?
- Roof: Are there any missing or broken tiles?
- Parking space: Is there enough parking space for your needs? Does it provide enough privacy and security?
6. Ask A Lot Of Questions: By actively communicating with the seller through your real estate agent, buyers can get a better understanding of the property to make an informed decision, so don’t hesitate to ask a lot of questions. Try some of these questions, which can help you gain valuable insights into the property:
- What is the year of construction of the house?
- How long has the current owner been living in the house?
- What is the reason for the owner to sell the property?
- How long has the house been listed on the market for sale?
- What is the usual cost of bills associated with the property?
7. Take Photos: Photos can be useful for identifying potential issues with the property that may require further investigation, so remember to take a lot of them. This is particularly important if you are viewing several properties, as it can be easy to forget the details of each one after visiting multiple houses. Note that you should ask for the seller’s permission before taking any photos since not everyone is comfortable with you photographing their property.
8. View The Property More Than Once: Visiting a property once is hardly enough to get a complete understanding of it. Ideally, buyers should view the property two to three times before making an offer. Try to visit at different times of the day to get a better sense of traffic patterns, noise levels, and other factors that may not have been apparent during the initial visit. It is also advisable to drive around the neighborhood to evaluate the overall condition of the area and take a look at the surrounding community.
9. Talk To The Neighbors: To gain a more accurate and unbiased perspective, consider having a chat with the residents living nearby. The good news is most people are more than willing to chat with you for a few minutes and answer your questions if you approach them in a friendly manner. The neighbors can provide valuable insights into the surrounding area, the local community, and any issues that may not be immediately apparent. Note that you should approach them privately, away from the presence of the agent or homeowner, as this allows for a more honest and open conversation.
In the end, house viewing can be a thrilling but also stressful experience, and it is crucial to approach it with a discerning eye. Trust your instincts, ask plenty of questions, and seek professional guidance when needed. With the right approach, you’ll soon settle into your new dream home. Happy house hunting!
