While it can be pretty easy to fall in love with a house at first glance when viewing pictures online, you never really know what you’re in for until you make an in-person visit. That’s why open house opportunities should be taken very seriously. Instead of just walking around and glancing over each room, you should be able to walk into that house with a clear, objective mind so that you can be hyper-aware of the most important points of purchasing a new home:
The Neighborhood and Neighbors– Too many potential home buyers are so focused on the house itself that they forget to stop and consider their surroundings, too. Take a look around the neighborhood and check out what kind of condition the other homes are in, as well as other factors such as traffic speeds, playgrounds, etc. Additionally, unless you plan to spend all of your time indoors, you’ll also want to check out the neighbors. You don’t have to speak to them if you don’t feel comfortable, but at least check out their yards. Any barking dogs? Dirt bikes? These are things you’ll want to know about before moving next door.
The Exterior – Don’t forget that the outside of a home can be just as important as the inside. Take a walk around and take a good hard look. Is the paint chipping? Does the roof look updated and stable? What about the gutters? These are the types of things that can cause major issues down the road if overlooked.
Closet Space – Adequate closet space is extremely important when it comes to purchasing a new home. Not only will you want enough space in each bedroom for clothing and shoes, but throughout the house as well for little odds and ends. Closets are our main allies when it comes to keeping a home organized, so make sure you add it to the list of things to check.
Light and Air – When living in Southern Florida, you’re going to want to purchase a home with as much natural light as possible. Does your potential home give you that? How about air flow? You’ll want to determine whether or not the home was designed in a way that allows air to flow freely, giving you a nice, cool breeze on those hot summer nights.
Most importantly, just remember that first impressions aren’t always accurate. Utilize your time spent at an open house wisely and think seriously about what a big decision this is. The last thing you want to do is rush into the process and be left to deal with an endless list of issues.
(Source: Forbes)
Posted by: Miki Leibowitz of Leibowitz Realty)