When the search for your home begins, one of the most exciting parts is getting to visit open houses. It can be a great tool to experience a homes first impression and for you to take a look at the homes interior and exterior before deciding to put in an offer. In this post I share a guide on how to look beyond the surface when you start your home buying journey.
This is a sponsored post.
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
The most important thing you need to look at first is the structural integrity of a home. You can advise your real estate agents on what your criteria is. Looking for cracks in the walls or ceilings can indicate any issues the house may have. You should also check the floors for any imperfections such as unevenness. Often floor issues signal more serious underlying issues with the house.
QUALITY FINISHES
How the home is finished can really affect whether a home has good buying qualities. You want a home that has good quality finishes such as good countertops, sturdy cabinets and sound bathroom appliances. All of these things can affect the resale value of the home.
PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Make sure you’re paying attention to the plumbing and electricity systems. Be sure to check taps for water pressure and look for any leaks. This can help you to make your buying decisions more carefully. Which is what we want! If you notice any old wiring this might be a sign that the home needs an upgrade.
HEATING AND COOLING
Heating and air conditioning really affect energy costs on a home. You should ask about when the systems were installed and if there have been any issues with either. Any issues that may arise can be costly.
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Whilst you’re focused on the house itself, don’t forget to think about the town and neighbourhood it’s in. Make sure to ask about local noise levels, what schools and shopping centres there are around the home too. This might help in your buying decision especially if you have young children or need to commute to work.
CONCLUSION
When choosing a home to buy, open houses can be really useful in helping you make that decision. There are key questions you should be asking the real estate agent such as what the local town is like, are the neighbours nice? When were the heating and cooling systems installed? Have there been any issues with the electric recently? Asking these questions can help and guide you in making better financial decisions. Viewing homes within your budget is a good idea, or hiring a financial planner from the best financial planners Brisbane.
Olivia x
olivialucieblake.com 