Home buying can be a complicated process, where buyers have to pick one home among multiple options. That is why open houses are such a critical part of the process. While they only contribute to about 4% of all home sales, they are useful in helping prospective buyers determine whether a property is right for them. During an open house, you can walk through all rooms to see if the floor plan works for your family, which will help you decide if you will take the next step or not.
Whenever you attend an open house, you will want to spend your time wisely. If you are not careful, you can easily overlook important details. Most homebuyers usually scrutinize basic features, such as the home's overall aesthetics, and get carried away if they are impressed. You do not want to make that mistake.
The following open house tips for buyers will help you maximize those hours at the property.
Check the condition of the property
Start with the home's foundation and look for signs of damage. Also, check for cracks in walls, ceilings, and floors. Generally, what you will be looking for is if there is any sagging on the ceiling or unevenness on the walls. For the floors, you will check if they are uneven or show any signs of water damage or deterioration. All these issues point to a serious structural problem and could require costly repairs.
Check out the quality of the neighborhood
Ensure the location fits your preferences before you even step foot into the home. You should ask for local area information such as whether there are quality schools nearby, recreational facilities such as parks, and how far away the closest shopping center is from home. You should also take note of the ambiance of the area, including traffic and any possible noise pollution from a highway, busy streets, or an airport. Additionally, be sure to check if this area is among those with high flood risks.
Assess the storage space
You will need storage space for clothes, toys, and bulky equipment such as bikes and lawnmowers, among other items. Remember that if the home is spacious, it will be easy to avoid clutter. Check the attic, closets, and cabinets to find out the home's storage space. Be sure to also check if the property has additional storage options, such as a basement or a garage.
Keep an eye out for privacy
You should check for walls and barriers that separate the home from neighboring properties. Another thing to ensure is that the home's proximity to the neighboring properties or streets allows for privacy. The placement of windows should also be considered; they shouldn't directly face the surrounding homes.
Ensure the home has enough ventilation
Ventilation is vital to the overall health and comfort of your home. It helps in removing excess moisture and contaminants. Ventilation also improves indoor air quality, which can help prevent illnesses or allergies. During an open tour, you should assess the number and placement of windows in each room, including the kitchen and bathrooms. You should also ensure that all mechanical ventilation systems are functional. These include exhaust fans and range hoods. In addition, take note of the home's layout to see if it allows for cross ventilation. Ideally, it should have an expansive floor plan and strategically placed windows.
Are there any damages I should know about?
Despite taking time to assess the property's condition, you may not be aware of minor or major issues that need fixing. Request this information from the seller.
How long has the property been on the market?
This will help you understand the market dynamics. Use this information to gauge the demand for the home. If it has been on the market for longer than the average time, the home is likely overpriced or has some issues.
Have there been any price fluctuations?
You should ask about the pricing history of the property. This can provide insight into the seller's motivation and whether they have negotiating power.
Have you received any offers?
The seller will tell you if there have been any previous offers on the property. This information can help you gauge the level of interest and competition for the house.
Can you tell me about the neighborhood?
The seller can provide detailed information about the neighborhood that you may have missed in your initial research. This includes the performance of the local real estate market and demographics.
Invest in Burlingame real estate today
Have you been thinking about owning Burlingame real estate? If yes, Mary Ann Teixeira is here to help. Mary is a Mid-Peninsula real estate expert who can help personalize your real estate search to suit your needs. Contact Mary Ann today to get started on the process of owning your dream home.
