Buying a new house or any property is a huge deal. Home buying requires a lot of time and effort, not just money. That’s why rushing the home buying process is a big mistake and can be equally costly. It’s easy to get carried away just by looking at photos or virtual tours. That’s why it’s equally important to visit the property to see the house in person. For these reasons, there are a few things that you need to look out for when viewing a property, focusing only on what matters and not just on superficial decor.
To make sure you get the most out of a property viewing, here are a number of things that you should look out for when viewing a property, as well as key questions to raise with your agent.
5 Crucial Things to Look Out For When Viewing a Property
1. Inquire with your agent about the state of the local real estate market to determine the value of the property and whether there are more or fewer houses for sale in the area. Whether you intend to stay for a long time or not, consider the resale value of your property in relation to local real estate in five or ten years.
2. Explore the neighborhood by driving around or taking a stroll to assess the property’s proximity to schools, hospitals, community amenities, restaurants, and your workplace if you’re not working from home. You can also check online for the crime rates and statistics of the area. And don’t forget to take note of the noise. This can be a major problem if you’re working from home or having a baby.
3. Inspect the property’s structure to see if there are any visible cracks. Check the roof shingles to see if they are well maintained. Also, check the condition of the utilities by testing them to see if they are working properly. Check the furnace, and HVAC for rust, as well as the water pressure.
4. Look for moisture problems and leaks, like cracked paint, or musty odors. These problems are signs of leaky pipes or foundation issues, so if possible, bring a moisture meter to check if there is any problem. You may also ask your agent if the property is on a flood plain.
5. Calculate additional costs like association fees, parking, utility bills, taxes, and other service charges. Request to see the utility and council tax bills so you know what and how much to expect.
Things to Ask Your Estate Agent When Viewing a Property
- How long has the seller lived in the home?
- Are there any problems with the house?
- How long has it been on the market?
- Why is the homeowner selling the property?
- What comes with the property?
- Are there additions or renovations recently made?
- Are there any repairs needed?
- Is the price right?
- Is the seller flexible on the asking price?
- Is any access shared?
- Are there additional costs (e.g. HOA fees, fees shared with neighbors)?
- How is the neighborhood market?
Don’t let your heart rule your head.
Be objectively thorough. View the property or several properties first before making any offer.
As we’ve mentioned, it’s easy to get carried away by the beautiful decorations, energy-efficient appliances, or the great neighborhood. But is it too good to be true? We don’t advise viewing alone so when viewing a property, take a friend, your partner, or your agent, so you have someone you can ask and bounce off ideas with.
It’s important to note that the purpose of viewing a home is to decide whether or not the home is for you and whether you would want to proceed with making an offer. At this stage, you are serious about buying a home and are looking at homes that are actually within your budget. Doing so will help you eliminate the homes that are on your list, so it’s crucial that you get the most out of a property viewing.
About ApexPro Real Estate
ApexPro Real Estate Group is a full-service real estate brokerage specializing in single-family and attached residential properties throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. We are a privately-held small business that brings together top agents, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled service to help clients throughout Houston to buy and sell real estate — and enjoy them every step along the way. Our client reviews exhibit our dedication to helping our clients extends beyond the closing table and we would love to earn your business.