Open Houses – What Should You Be Looking For?
Okay – so a home you are interested in is going to have an open house this weekend. Naturally, you’re interested in the property so you’re going to give it a thorough look over. But what are you actually looking for? There are some things you should be looking for, areas that can often be missed when buyers start to dream.
Dream? Yes, real estate agents see it all the time. The buyer starts to walk through the home, perhaps with the family in tow. Little Johnny claims this room, mother (or father) loves the kitchen, I could go on – I think you get the message. Rather than ‘looking’ at the home, it has suddenly become theirs in their mind and they are now imagining living in the home.
Don’t get me wrong here. It is an important part of viewing any home. Does the home suit your family’s lifestyle and needs? At the same time, there comes a point in the viewing process where you need to slap yourself around the face and wake up – wake up and actually ‘look’ at the home. Is it sound, does it need much work to make it a home, can you easily fit that grand piano through the patio doors (don’t laugh, not being able to get an important piece of furniture through the doors has happened on many occasions)?
This is the most important part of viewing any home. Remember, most homes are ‘dressed’ for open days, you are not seeing the home in its day-to-day state. In fact, some of the furniture, drapes and perhaps decorations are the result of a professional home dresser. Even the gardens are cleared and cleaned ready for the open day.
When viewing a home, by all means imagine yourself living in the home. Also remember the harsher side of life. Is the home sound, is the garden manageable, is the neighborhood suitable? Ask yourself these and any other important questions while you’re there. Your final decision then will be based on a sound footing, not a fairy tale dream with a rude awakening at the end.
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