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Headed To An Open House? Here’s What To Look For.
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You’ve searched the Internet, have compiled endless images on Pinterest of your dream home, and have put together a list of potential properties to show your agent. You know how many bedrooms you need; you know that you want a fenced in backyard for your four-legged friend, and you know that you can’t wait to start cooking in your brand new kitchen with stainless steel appliances.
Even though you may have come across a listing that seems to have everything you want and more, it’s important to not get caught up in the cosmetics of your home. Instead, it’s important to look ahead to what will really matter in the long-run. On that same note, it’s important not to discount any listings that don’t live up 100% to your dream home standards.Although it could come at a small cost, it’s a simple fix to change paint color, flooring, or the cabinets in your kitchen - so don’t knix a house your agent shows you because it doesn’t perfectly match your Pinterest boards!
Our advice? Keep an open mind as the search for your home begins. We promise that the color of the bathroom walls doesn’t have to be a deal breaker.
Here are some questions to ask yourself before you head to your next showing:
1. Do you like the layout? New families may look for bedrooms close together so they aren’t far from their newborn, while older families may want additional privacy and distance from noisy teenagers (we don’t blame you!)
Many modern homes now have an open concept layout, allowing you to easily venture from room to room. But if you’re someone who works from home and needs their own office or space, this might not be the most ideal option for you. Make sure to pay special attention to the layout of the home, and make sure it will work with your lifestyle.
Many modern homes now have an open concept layout, allowing you to easily venture from room to room. But if you’re someone who works from home and needs their own office or space, this might not be the most ideal option for you. Make sure to pay special attention to the layout of the home, and make sure it will work with your lifestyle.
2. Is there enough space? If you’re planning to start a family in the future, you might consider looking for a home with an additional bedroom. For people whose kids are heading off the college soon, you might not need all those extra bedrooms, but perhaps a home office or gym is something you’d be interested in splurging on. Whatever it may be, don’t forget to think of the future rather than just the present moment; make sure whatever house you decide on is one you would be happy with in years to come.
3. How is the location? This is one of the most important elements to take into consideration when searching for your next home. Look into the school district for your children, your commute to work, and how far away you are from dining and entertainment. We promise you will be able to find the house you want in the location you want, so don’t settle!
4. Is there any water damage? When you’re walking through your next open house, be sure to pay close attention to the baseboards in the basement and search for stains in the ceilings. Do you notice any water damage? If you notice anything that doesn’t seem normal, it could be signs of water flooding, drainage, or roof troubles - which can often lead to issues with mold and mildew and become an expensive problem to fix! Luckily, you will learn of any such issues once you complete a home inspection, but it’s still always a good idea to keep your eyes peeled during an initial house tour.
5. Are there large windows? Often times, people don’t take into consideration the amount of windows within a house - until they realize there isn’t any natural light. Having large windows that allow for the sunlight to pour into the house can create a brighter atmosphere, and would also allow you to open the windows on nice days and potentially cut down on utility bills during mid-summer months. And who wouldn’t want that?
3. How is the location? This is one of the most important elements to take into consideration when searching for your next home. Look into the school district for your children, your commute to work, and how far away you are from dining and entertainment. We promise you will be able to find the house you want in the location you want, so don’t settle!
4. Is there any water damage? When you’re walking through your next open house, be sure to pay close attention to the baseboards in the basement and search for stains in the ceilings. Do you notice any water damage? If you notice anything that doesn’t seem normal, it could be signs of water flooding, drainage, or roof troubles - which can often lead to issues with mold and mildew and become an expensive problem to fix! Luckily, you will learn of any such issues once you complete a home inspection, but it’s still always a good idea to keep your eyes peeled during an initial house tour.
5. Are there large windows? Often times, people don’t take into consideration the amount of windows within a house - until they realize there isn’t any natural light. Having large windows that allow for the sunlight to pour into the house can create a brighter atmosphere, and would also allow you to open the windows on nice days and potentially cut down on utility bills during mid-summer months. And who wouldn’t want that?
What’s the bottom line?
Finding your dream home may take some time, but we promise it will be worth it. Falling in love with a home at first sight can be easy, but keep in mind the competition aspect of real estate. If you found a home you love, chances are other potential buyers will love it too.
Remember to keep an open mind, look at a variety of houses that will suit your needs, and trust the selections your agent makes for you. Try to look past the cosmetics of the home, and instead focus on your must-haves versus your nice-to-haves, and stay within your budget. The rest will fall seamlessly into place - we promise!
Are you in the process of buying your next home but aren’t sure what to look for? Contact a Red Post Realty agent today to assist you! We’ll help you determine what to look for during your next open house, so you can find your dream home.
Author: Krystyna Dudka
Author: Krystyna Dudka