Buyers Guide For Finding The Right Home

If you are looking to buy a home, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. You will be spending a lot of time at your new home and spending a lot of money on it, so you want to make sure that it is the best fit for your needs.

In this blog, we’ll cover how to view a home with an agent and some tips on what to look out for when viewing homes.

The first viewing for me is about whether or not I could be seriously interested in the property. So, first, we will focus on the basics: does the floor plan work for you, what does the overall condition seem to be, and most importantly, can I see myself living here. “Can I live here?” should be your guiding question.

Then will discuss what to look out for when viewing homes, the most important things to keep in mind during your first walk-through with a real estate agent, and tips on how to spot potential trouble areas of the home before buying.

From The Curb

First to check the location, check the neighborhood and neighbors. Depending on the house’s location, you should check for noise pollution from nearby highways or busy streets. You should also check for any light pollution from any neighboring businesses or busy roads.

The buyer should first inspect the plot and exterior of the home for proper grading. Always review that the house has been set up for proper draining of water. Ideally, we would want the home at the plot’s highest point, draining water away from the home. Proper draining of rainwater is significant and can determine the condition of the structure and foundation.

Take extra time to review the water systems and water drainage systems because water is usually the most destructive element in the home.

Form the curb; we should next examine the home’s general curb appeal and overall condition. Focusing on the roof, landscaping, parking, driveways, and sidewalks. Roofs are costly to replace, so it’s important to have a basic idea of the condition. From the curb, you can notice any discoloration or any recent roof repairs.

Following the roof down, you want also to take a look at the gutters and downspouts. Poor maintenance usually puts added stress on the house’s gutter systems, looking at gutter and condition could give you an indicator of poor maintenance.

While you are walking the exterior, look for trees that could cause problems down the road. Massive trees close to homes are costly to remove. Additionally, trees and leaves will put a strain on your gutter system and will require additional maintenance.

Focusing back on the home. You also want to walk around the home and check for any water damage to any windows or fascia.

Finally, you should walk around the home and check the exterior foundation for cracks, settlement, or damage. If the home’s basement has finished walls, you won’t be able to see any possible cracks or previous repairs.

Note, cracks in foundations are normal, but there are levels to it. A crack can show normal settlement of the home, while other cracks will also highlight structural damage.

Walking Inside

The first few impressions you get from the house will be very telling. The time of day you view home will make an impact on your impression as well. Seeing the home during the day will make it easier to notice any cracks in the paint, leaking pipes on ceilings or walls, and water stains.

While walking through the home, notice the home’s layout, overall space, and condition. Everyone walks into a house and notices the easy-to-change cosmetic things, like paint or wallpaper. But HVAC repairs, window replacements, and water damage are a LOT more expensive. The paint is cheap!

Never look for a home-based on your current furniture. A home is a lot more expensive than furniture, so don’t look for the perfect family room to fit your sectional and entertainment systems. Instead, assess the space for the common-sized furniture.

Master Bedrooms are typically 12×14 on the small side, while large master bedrooms are as big as 16×24. Bedrooms size vary, but the smallest bedroom should still be a functional space.

If possible, try to avoid homes built before 1950. Homes from this era often do not have up-to-par mechanical systems and insulation. Older homes are also more draftier and can cost additional more money to heat and cool.

Finishing up with the interior, take a look at the trim and fit and finish of the tile, paint, and floor. If you find poor quality work, fit and finish, or repairs, you should be warier of the home. Sometimes decades of DIY can indicate improper repairs and bandages hiding behind the wall that will show up after you move in.

If you are having trouble viewing the home, ask your agent for help. They will be able to answer any questions that come up as well as give opinions on their favorite parts of the house or areas they think need attention.

It would be best if you took your time when inspecting a home from inside because those initial impressions are vital for how much money you might spend on this property.

Once again, lead with ‘can I see myself living here?’. Home buying for better or worst is an emotional experience so ask your gut, ‘Gut, do you see yourself living here?’

Mechanical

Mechanical is the heart of the home. The home’s mechanical systems will also impact the functionality of the home. HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems all have a life expectancy.

You can expect most electrical systems to function well over 50-60 years. But other systems have a shorter lifespan. I have attached a PDF of the life experiences of different systems if you are interested in viewing it.

But in general, look at the system’s overall condition, any repairs, and estimated age. You don’t have to go crazy going into crawl spaces looking for the systems; that is what the inspector is for. Just put two eyes on whatever is easily visible and assess the system.

Inspecting Electrical

Electrical systems usually last the lifetime of the home. However, there are a few early electrical designs that are not safe for current dwellings. In the Chicagoland area, if you have primarily conduit, very few flex pipes, or Romex. Your electrical system is likely in working condition.

You want to avoid DIY electrical work done by homeowners. Sometimes homeowners have added electrical legs and loads to the electrical systems causing breakers to trip. Take a look at any exposed electrical boxes, lines, and electrical outlets for overall condition.

Inspecting Plumbing

The easiest, fastest, most common way people take a peek at plumbing is by looking under sinks and vanities. Inspect to see if the plumbing condition, what material is used, and check for leaks.

PVC and Copper are the most commonly used materials for plumbing. Finding cast iron drains and galvanized pipes might indicate an older system that might need repairs or attention soon. Leaking sinks and toilets are common locations for leaks. If you see damage or discoloration caused by leaks, this might also point out poor maintenance done by the previous homeowner. Buyer Beware!

Finally, locate the hot water tank and inspect for age condition and materials; again, PVC and copper are the most common.

Inspecting HVAC

Forced Air climate control systems are the most common system in the Chicago suburbs. The vents provide both heat and cool air during the summer and winter months. If installed and designed correctly, home ventilation systems will last the home’s life while only requiring duct cleaning maintenance.

Furnaces and AC systems have a lot shorter life spans lasting anywhere from 7-30 years. Once again, there is no need to crawl into crawl spaces or attics; do a visual inspection of anything easy to see and assess its age and condition.

Other things to look out for:

• Water intrusion or water damage musty orders

If the home has a basement, head to the basement and perform a sniff test. Does it smell like humidity? Does it have a musty smell?

As stated earlier, water is the number one cause of home damage so take a close look at all exterior walls and possible water intrusion signs. Mold causes many health risks and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

• Additions that are poorly done

Additions are great ways to expand the living space and increase home value; however, they are often designed and constructed poorly, causing poor quality living space. Additions are also added to the side or back of the home. Ensure the addition has proper ventilation systems, contributes to the home design, and was done by licensed professionals.

• Don’t Be Fooled By Staging

Staging is a common practice among real estate agents to make the home look like it’s in good condition. However, sometimes staging can cause buyers not to notice some of the major issues with the property. They end up purchasing something that has been poorly maintained or could cost them more money than originally expected.

So, don’t be fooled by color decor or furniture. Pay attention to the structure and make sure overall the home is safe.

Conclusion

The most important factor to keep in mind while viewing homes is assessing whether the home will meet your needs. Sometimes, people get so caught up in what they want that they miss out on an opportunity because of their focus on certain aspects of the home and not looking at the big picture.

If all this is overwhelming, don’t fear! A good real estate agent will also assess the home and look over the home while walking through it. Your realtor should give you their unbiased opinion about the home. A good agent will also help you with other things such as repair suggestions and estimated costs.

After walking through the home, always ask yourself these questions: Are there any potential safety hazards that need to be addressed or fixed before moving in? What might need to be replaced within the next 5 years and does it have enough space for your family or need? Lastly, ask your gut ‘can I see myself living here?’