Attending Open Houses: 5 Major Items to Consider

It’s finally time to start looking for your dream home. Sure, you’ve been scouring the internet for months to find exactly what you want – but now you’ve got an agent from Select Properties. That means you’re going to start attending open houses and see everything in person. All you have to do is to keep your eyes open. Not sure what we mean? Here are 5 major items to consider when attending an open house.

Signs of Damage

No matter if it’s your first open house or you’re a seasoned pro, looking for signs of damage is a crucial step when attending an open house. On the outside, check for water, wind, and even hail damage to the foundation, siding, or roof. Get a good look at the AC unit as well. On the inside, check the walls, plumbing, and furnace for damage or aging. It may be a longer visit than you intended, but it will save you tons on future repairs.

Potential Updates

A lot of buyers want to get the most bang for their buck. That’s why, when it comes to the open house, it’s important to look for any potential updates that have already been done. Is there hardwood floor or carpet throughout the house? Is the basement finished or will you need to take care of that yourself? Even by just walking inside, you’ll be able to tell if the flooring, cabinets, or bathroom have been refurbished, remodeled, or left untouched.

Storage Space

In your research, you should learn some basic public knowledge like how many rooms there are, if there is a basement, and so on. This, however, is your chance to see all of it with your own eyes. How much storage space will you actually have in your new home? Do all of the advertised bedrooms have closets? You may have even missed out on the fact that there is a shed in the backyard. It never hurts to double check that all of the pictures and summaries of the homes are accurate and truthful.

Yard Size

Depending on how big your family is, the home’s yard size can be a determining factor. Do you have children or pets? You’re going to want to have enough space for playtime. If you don’t have them, think of what you could do with a larger or smaller yard. Future purchases like a pool could take up the entire yard if you don’t plan ahead.

Who Lives Nearby

They say you can’t choose family, but you CAN choose your neighbors. Try getting to know them before putting in an offer. Going door to door in a new area may seem intimidating, but at least you’ll have an idea of who lives nearby before you’re stuck with them. Who knows – there’s a chance these people become your best and closest friends.

Have you been to any open houses so far or have you just scheduled your first one? Let us know all the things you are finding along the way on social media!