You just saw a sign outside a house that says “For Sale.” A couple of cars are parked on the side of the street, so it looks like the owner is having an Open House. You decide to pop in because you are your wife have been thinking about buying a bigger house.
The first thing you notice when you enter the house is an iPad placed on a side table. A man approaches you and asks if you want to sign in with your name, address, and phone number. In case you are wondering, this is not for safety reasons.
The person you talked to was the real estate agent, and he wanted your information to build a database. This will benefit you, too, because now that you are on their list, they will send you emails of new properties for sale, price reductions, etc. You can also ask for their contact details if you like the house and want to make an offer.
But not so fast! The point of telling you this is that some real estate agents are more concerned with building their clientele than showing you around. This is why you need to inspect the house closely yourself.
Here are some things you should pay attention to:
Ceilings and Floors
Look up and down to know how the house is doing. The ceiling will reveal any signs of water damage, and cracks in the foundation will tell you how well the house has been taken care of. As for the floors, they have deeper issues. These can be seen and felt from scratches, squeaky floorboards, and uneven foundation.
Windows
Always ask about the windows!
It’s important to ensure the windows are energy-efficient so you are not forced to install new ones after buying the house. Properly installed windows offer you safety and help you cut your heating and cooling costs.
Roof
Roofs typically last for around ten years. Their true story is hidden in the attic that tells you whether there’s a leak in the roof or an opening that has given way to infestation. Replacing the roof is the priciest repair, which can set you back in your monthly payments. So, do not buy the house unless the seller agrees to fix it.
Leaky Toilets
A leaky toilet increases your water bill and indicates a deeper problem that might escalate in the future. For example, you risk flooding your house if there’s a crack in the bowl. Any clogs in the drain pipe will lead to a huge plumbing issue that will need days and thousands of dollars to be fixed.
Closet Space
Closet space should be a deal breaker, and we will tell you why: Once you have spent a few months in the house and run out of closet space, you will find it frustrating to store your belongings. It is as simple as that!
People buy bigger houses because they have more things now and want to decorate the interior as they desire. Without adequate space, you are again forced to box things up.
An open house helps you decide what you really want in a house. Visit the Megan Dowdy Realty website to find quality listings. Let our Orlando realtor assist you in buying your dream house. For more information, call 407-509-9279.
