For Sale Sign
More Than a Tour of Homes
Your real estate agent has your ‘to view’ list and he/she has contacted the listing agents and has all pertinent information and has contacted the home owners to arrange a times for viewing. Don’t try and view more than 6 homes in any one day, you won’t have time to do a proper viewing and make appropriate notes on each. Make sure you have time before setting out to go over each listing you are to view that day so you can keep your notes in order.
You have your print-outs of each listing and a note book or the House hunting Checklist to take notes at each viewing. Take along a camera to take pictures to correspond with your notes. Remember the adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” But don’t forget about the words, your notes are invaluable. Take a front view picture first at each viewing, it helps keep your pics in order.
“Walking through your potential home can be so exciting, that it’s easy to forget some details. Was there a bathroom on the main floor? What shape was the roof really in? If a home truly interests you, take this checklist with you. When it comes time to review, you’ll be happy you did. “
Download Here: House hunting checklist
Reviewing the Listings
You chose these listings for most fulfilling the reasons on your Home Hunting List. Now the home hunting becomes one of elimination. Which home lives up best to the descriptions in the listings and which homes just don’t measure up. It is not the paint on the walls, they can be repainted. It is not about the window coverings, they can be changed. It is not even about new appliances, although they should be taken into consideration. Do not let the glitter hide the real house. It is about the house physically; the space, the layout, the flow, yours and the family’s comfort. Finding the right home is an adventure in imagination.
Imagine your family living in this home. How well will they adapt? What will the family flow be like in the mornings with everyone bustling to get ready for work and school? Is there enough room for all in the living room. How are you going to manage with the groceries. Where will you store all that you have? Is the kitchen conveniently laid out? What is the traffic flow to get snacks? What is the traffic flow to the bathroom? How will you greet guests, where will they park? Can you entertain comfortably? Are you able to continue with your hobbies in this home? Does your furniture fit? Is there room for recreation, relaxation in the yard or deck. Is there room for the dog/cat, where will you feed them?
A must when viewing is the constructional condition of the house. I had some advantage when house hunting in that I have been involved with construction having completely renovated two houses and built one house from foundation up. I am not a Home Inspector but I do have some knowledge in what to look for building wise. I took along a tape measure in order to size up rooms and other areas and also a small level. If the floors aren’t level or the walls and door frames are off plumb, there could be a settling problem or construction problem that you do not want to have to fix later. That would make the house an immediate NO!
Other NOs:
Outside:
- Check for peeling paint and any wood exposed but not protected for any signs of rot. Doorways, window sills, window and door casings, posts, etc. Any suspicions, poke them with an awl.
- Check the parging on cement, the surface finish layer. If it is falling off, that could be a problem.
Poor Shingles
- If you can, check down 6 inches below grade for proper foundation surfacing. Sealant should extend slightly above ground.
- Check for proper soffits and attic ventilation.
- Check the roof. Is the ridge straight and not sagging.
- Roof shingles should have no curling and be an even color over entire roof.
- Venting on roof should not appear to be rusting.
- Look for sidewalk cracks and wear. Sidewalks should be sloped gently away from the house.
- Look for signs of water pooling in yard, especially near the house.
- Fencing and out-buildings in good condition.
- Wooden patios and decks should have definite sloping away from the house. Check deck surfacing for pooling or crazing.
Inside:
- Check for any staining on the ceilings and walls, staining is most likely moisture damage.
- If you can, peek in the attic. If the insulation has black along the edges, there is air getting through the ceiling. If the roof sheeting is turning black, there is moisture in the attic.
- Look for staining on the vinyl flooring in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Look under the sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms especially under the counters at taps for water damage.
- Open and close all doors and windows and check for condition.
- What type of windows are installed?
- Is there blackening on the fireplace facings and the walls. If so, perhaps the chimney flue is not functioning properly.
- Turn each light switch on and off. Check outlets for blackening or poor fitting.
Attic Problems
- In the basement, check the cement floors and walls for moisture. If there is ‘new paneling’ on the walls, beware. What has the seller covered up? Is there moisture penetrating the foundation?
- Are there cracks in the basement floor or walls?
- Check the water pipes, heat conduits, and exhaust ducting for wrap and condition.
- Is the electrical panel of sufficient size and in good condition?
Water damaged ceiling
Make notes on all things that may seem doubtful and mention them to your Home Inspector if that house is the home you decide on. I took a second look at the home I chose before I signed the purchase agreement just to make sure of all the notes I made. If you can, pay the home inspector or a builder friend to come with you and have a preliminary look at your concerns. He/she may be able to give you an idea of any necessary renovations and an estimation of costs.
After viewing the homes on your list, take a few days to go over your notes and pictures eliminating the homes you know won’t do and whittling down the prospective listings to no more than three. If you can’t arrive at a clear choice, ask your realtor for a second look. By this time he/she knows what you are looking for and may come up with a home you may have overlooked, or a new listing. I looked at 17 houses before buying and the home I decided on was suggested by the realtor 2 weeks later.
You will be living in your new home for many years, the home you buy must fit you and your family. Like round pegs in square holes, you can’t force them to fit. If it becomes a matter of make-do, then pass it by. You are better off to rent until the right home comes up, -It will.