So, you’ve found a home you’re excited about, and you’re ready to take a look and see if it’s the right fit. You probably have plenty of thoughts about your must-haves and nice-to-haves and your definitely-nots.
But, before you walk through the door, make sure you’re ready to scrutinize the home top to bottom, and evaluate the neighborhood and location carefully, too. As your trusted agent, I’ll be there to help you look at the home from every angle. And, along the way, I’ll be asking you questions to help you evaluate a home’s potential and how well it suits your needs.
Here’s my checklist of what to look for when looking at a home.
The Location and Neighborhood
- Is the location close to amenities that are important to you?
- How easy or difficult would your commute be?
- How busy or loud is the neighborhood? Is there a lot of traffic on the street?
- Does the neighborhood feel safe? You might consider visiting the neighborhood at different times of the day and evening. Some of my clients have even rented an Airbnb nearby to get a better feel for the area.
- How well kept are other homes on the block?
The Landscape
- Do you need to climb a lot of stairs to access the home?
- How is the connection between indoor/outdoor living?
- Do neighbors’ windows look directly into the home?
- Is the yard suitable for kids, pets, gardening, or other uses that are important to you?
- How much maintenance will the outside space require?
Curb Appeal
- Are the roof, windows, and siding in good shape?
- Is the paint chipping or faded?
- Is the landscaping attractive? Are there any large trees that will require ongoing maintenance?
- Are the sidewalks and paths leading to the home safe and in good condition?
The Layout and Space
- Do you like the flow of the home and is there enough space for you to live comfortably?
- Think about how you will use the home now and in the future. Are there enough bedrooms/bathrooms? Is there space to add another bathroom?
- Is there parking?
- Is the storage adequate for your needs?
- Is there a laundry area and hook-ups if a washer/dryer are not in the home?
The Interior and Finishes
- Is the home in move in condition?
- Do you like the finishes in the home?
- Painting and refinishing floors can have a huge impact for a small investment. If the home needs more work, are you willing to take on a bigger project?
The Light
- How is the natural light in the home?
- What direction does the home face if you prefer morning or evening light?
- Are there enough lighting fixtures to suit your needs or will you need to make upgrades?
For Condo Buyers
- How is the condo positioned in relation to other units?
- How many other units are there in the building and how many are owner occupied?
- Are the building and any grounds well maintained?
With the right guidance, and a careful eye, you can be assured that you’ll be buying a home that suits your lifestyle and your budget.
Buying a home is a huge investment and a big decision. I’m here to make sure you’re asking the right questions, getting the right answers, and that you are making an informed choice for your future.
