Wednesday, February 3, 2021 / by Madyson Woolhouse
Things to Look Out For When Viewing a Home for the First Time
Showings are like first dates. You never really know what to expect, but it just might be the beginning to the rest of your life!
Okay, that was cheesy. But showings are so important when looking for your new home! Much like going on a first date, you'll have some things you want to watch out for. "Are they close with their family?" "Do they have a steady job?" "Are they well-kept?" "Are there cracks in the wall?" "Is there water in the basement?" Finding a perfect house & finding love are basically the same thing.
So what are some key things to be looking for??
You guessed it, cracks in the wall! The founder of the NY firm Loci Architecture states that a crack in the wall is a sign of serious structural problems & is not something to take lightly. According to Cubed, "small drywall cracks are probably nothing to worry about, but larger cracks or ones with discoloration may indicate structural issues or leaks."
Next, make sure to check the floors. Sagging or dipping near the bathroom can indicate that the plumbing might not be the best. No one wants to be put in a crappy situation just after purchasing their house, so make sure to thoroughly examine the floors not only near the bathroom but throughout the whole house!
Look for water in the basement - duh! If you're in the basement & it feels damp, do not hesitate to ask some deeper questions!
Another big one is to test the windows. Do they lock? Are they easy to open & shut? Most people replace windows with cheaper, low quality windows, so keep that in mind. It isn't the worst thing, but it could add up if you are needing to replace them later on.
Fresh paint = covering up something. Be sure to check for random spots of fresh paint. In most cases, the seller quickly tried to fix something before putting the house on the market. Ask your Realtor® for more information if you do end up finding some.
Look at the electrical & plumbing. While it's hard to really decipher what's going on, look for exposed wiring. Ask the agent if they know the last time it's been replaced.
Check the roofing/shingles. Are the shingles new? Is the roof sagging in any areas? What about gutters? Don't overlook the exteriors of the house!
Finally, make sure to get some background on the house. Was it a quick flip that someone is trying to make a profit off of? Those usually come with a lot of issues later on. See if you can get the history of repairs done to the house, who made the repairs, & if there are any warranties.
We hope you are now ready to fall in love... Call us to schedule a showing & start the journey of a lifetime!
Okay, that was cheesy. But showings are so important when looking for your new home! Much like going on a first date, you'll have some things you want to watch out for. "Are they close with their family?" "Do they have a steady job?" "Are they well-kept?" "Are there cracks in the wall?" "Is there water in the basement?" Finding a perfect house & finding love are basically the same thing.
So what are some key things to be looking for??
You guessed it, cracks in the wall! The founder of the NY firm Loci Architecture states that a crack in the wall is a sign of serious structural problems & is not something to take lightly. According to Cubed, "small drywall cracks are probably nothing to worry about, but larger cracks or ones with discoloration may indicate structural issues or leaks."
Next, make sure to check the floors. Sagging or dipping near the bathroom can indicate that the plumbing might not be the best. No one wants to be put in a crappy situation just after purchasing their house, so make sure to thoroughly examine the floors not only near the bathroom but throughout the whole house!
Look for water in the basement - duh! If you're in the basement & it feels damp, do not hesitate to ask some deeper questions!
Another big one is to test the windows. Do they lock? Are they easy to open & shut? Most people replace windows with cheaper, low quality windows, so keep that in mind. It isn't the worst thing, but it could add up if you are needing to replace them later on.
Fresh paint = covering up something. Be sure to check for random spots of fresh paint. In most cases, the seller quickly tried to fix something before putting the house on the market. Ask your Realtor® for more information if you do end up finding some.
Look at the electrical & plumbing. While it's hard to really decipher what's going on, look for exposed wiring. Ask the agent if they know the last time it's been replaced.
Check the roofing/shingles. Are the shingles new? Is the roof sagging in any areas? What about gutters? Don't overlook the exteriors of the house!
Finally, make sure to get some background on the house. Was it a quick flip that someone is trying to make a profit off of? Those usually come with a lot of issues later on. See if you can get the history of repairs done to the house, who made the repairs, & if there are any warranties.
We hope you are now ready to fall in love... Call us to schedule a showing & start the journey of a lifetime!
