Buying a house is fun and exciting. It is one of the largest purchases you will probably make in your lifetime, and you want it perfect. We will discuss what you should look for when viewing a house which will include 11 warning signs and 9 things to consider to make sure your house is right for you.
With all the DIY home shows, flip-it shows and real estate reality shows, it’s easy to get caught up to the glitz and glam of remodeled kitchens, laminate floors, renovated baths, the patio with the built-in fire pit, etc…
If it is sparkly, shiny and new, it is easy to let that eye candy catch your attention and distract you from the basics.
Lets face it, I have never had a buyer walk away from viewing a home raving about the new roof and 5 feet of ice and water shield… but maybe they should.
Viewing A House- Is it a Pig With Lipstick?
What has prompted me to write this article is I recently had a buyer viewing a house, that was sucked in by eye candy as it came on the market as a flip.
At first glance, the house looked pretty impressive. New kitchen, renovated baths, new flooring throughout much of the house, central air installed, new deck, etc…
While viewing the home and taking a closer look, I noticed the work was inferior.
The interior paint job did not cover properly, it was filled with dirt and grit, the paint was sagging, and the flooring had huge gaps around heating registers and baseboards.
Furthermore, they didn’t upgrade the electrical panel, it was a mess. They left an old leaky furnace. The roof was at least 15 years old…. you get the point. It seemed shiny and new but as I viewed the home and peeled off the layers it fell short of craftsmen-like quality.
The home also carried the price tag of a similar new construction home. Over half the work needed to be redone to make the home acceptable.
This home was a giant old pig with a little bit of shiny gloss lipstick. But my buyer kept getting sucked in by the superficial and overlooking the important things.
Viewing A House: What To Look For
When you are viewing a house for the first time, there are things you should look for beyond an updated kitchen or bath. Not that they are not important. But what good is a new kitchen if the roof leaks and destroys your new cabinets?
And, paying attention while viewing a house certainly does not replace a professional home inspection. But it can save you time, money and aggravation to pay attention to the essential things during your showings of homes.
The Big Five
The four areas of the home you should pay extra attention to first are the roof, HVAC system, plumbing, electrical and structure.
If there are issues with these systems, you generally cannot ignore them. A leaky roof can cause a ton of damage or a faulty furnace that fails during the winter and cause pipes tofreeze.
But you can live indefinitely with an outdated tile floor or ugly kitchen cabinets.
11 Things To Pay Attention To When Viewing A HouseThat Can Be A Warning Sign
Warning Sign #1 Deferred Maintenance
Maintaining a home takes considerable time and expense. As you walk approach the home and walk through the property pay attention to things like chipped and peeling paint, clogged gutters, poorly maintained landscaping, and clogged gutters.
Just think if a homeowner can’t take care of the little things how did they handle maintaining the important things?
Warning Sign #2 A Roof Near Its End
The roof protects the entire home. If it is in failure or close to failure, it can be a disaster.
While you aren’t a roofing expert if a roof is at the end of its life you can probably tell. Look for cracked or curled shingles. See if there are any shingles missing and broken.
Another telltale sign is the gaps between each individual shingle widen and create more of a V than a parallel straight line.
Warning Sign #3 Water Penetration
Start in the basement. Check to see if there is a sump pump and if it is working properly.
See if there are signs of previous water penetration. A good place to look is at the bottom of the stairs or any wood framing to see if there are water stains that have wicked up.
As you go through the home, pay attention to see if you see any water stains or damp spots on the walls or ceilings.
Warning Sign #4 Poorly Executed Renovations
If the home has some upgrades like some new flooring or a rehabbed kitchen, etc… Look for shoddy craftsmanship indicating the homeowner did a DIY project or cheaped out on hiring a professional.
Signs could include laminate floors with huge gaps and soft spots, tile floors where the grout doesn’t maintain straight lines, work that is 95% there but uncompleted and more.
If what you see cosmetically isn’t right, it makes you wonder what you don’t see under the floor or behind the walls.
Warning Sign #5 Structural Issues
The structural integrity starts in the basement. If it isn’t a finished basement, look at the foundation. While all concrete foundations have small vertical cracks, they are merely cosmetic. Look for significant cracks that are over a 1/8 an inch and the two sides may have shifted. Also horizontal cracks are not typical for a concrete foundation
If it is a fieldstone basement is the cement between the rock crumbling and powdery or have the owners kept up on repointing the stones?
Look at the framing members to see if they are cracked, or cut to make room for electrical or plumbing.
As you walk through the home see if the floors are sagging or seem to pitch one way. Pay attention to see if there are significant cracks in the walls.
Warning Sign #6 Mold
Mold can not only smell unpleasant, but it can also be unhealthy.
Notice if the home has an unpleasant musty smell as you walk through it. Look for black stains on the walls. Pay extra attention to the basement and attic which tend to have higher moisture levels than the rest of the house.
If the seller has inundated the house with artificial scents, it may be a good time to discover what they may be hiding underneath.
Warning Sign #7 Aging HVAC System
Look at the furnace and the outside compressor for the AC. Are they rusted and look shabby? Check the furnace for leaks and water or oil stains around it.
Furnaces have a useful life of 15-20 years and HVAC systems last 12-15 years. Both are significant expenses that you don’t want to get stuck with immediately.
Warning Sign #8 Faulty Electrical
Take a look at the electric panel. Look for signs of rust. If the outside of the panel is all rusty there is a good chance the main bar inside is as well… and that’s a fire hazard.
Open the panel and see if the circuit breakers are maxed out and if there is a prevalence of mine breakers to make more room.
Finally, look at the wiring coming out of the panel and whether it is a hodgepodge of wiring or whether is it consistent and neatly organized. The old knob and tube wiring must be replaced and most insurance companies require it.
Warning Sign #9 Plumbing Leaks
Make sure the water supply doesn’t have leaky joints. Take a quick look under the sinks and look at the faucets. Modern plumbing should be copper and PEX. Lead and galvanized pipes should be avoided.
Check the wastewater pipes for leaks. They will be made of cast iron or may be upgraded to PVC. Cast iron is prone to leading at the joints and splitting as they rust from the inside out.
Warning Sign #10- Rotted Trim
A quick look at the trim on a home could reveal dry rot, insect infestation or up near the roof critters accessing the attic.
See if the trim is in decay or has holes that have been created by a squirrel, woodpecker, mouse or rat.
Warning Sign #11 Mouse Infestation
Pay attention to mouse droppings under sinks in the attic or the basement. Excessive mouse droppings can indicate a problem.
Rodents carry a variety of diseases that can be transferred to humans that you don’t want you and your family exposed to. Once a home is infested with mice they can be a nightmare to get rid of and the cost can reach 1000’s of dollars.
9 Thing To Make Sure The House You Are Viewing Is Right For You
When viewing a house don’t let a few glitzy items make you overlook all the things that may be important to you. Don’t fall in love with one aspect of a home when the rest of the home doesn’t work for you.
1- Location
Before falling in love with a home based solely on its interior charm or design, it’s essential to ensure the location is practical and fits with your lifestyle. Consider factors such as commuting distance to your workplace or frequently visited locations – spending less time commuting daily can significantly improve your quality of life. Additionally, you’d want to stay within close proximity to your close family and friends to maintain those relationships easily.
It’s a common misstep, especially among first-time home buyers, to opt for the seemingly perfect house in more affordable, remote areas, only to realize the challenges this decision brings.
2- Condition
In the earlier section, we delved into 10 red flags you should keep an eye out for when checking out a house. But, when you’re on your showing, it’s essential to figure out which projects you’re ready to tackle and which ones might be deal breakers for you.
So, take a good look around and consider what you’re willing to take on. Are you up for some fixer-upper action or are you seeking a move-in-ready gem? It’s all about finding that sweet spot that matches your vision and budget. Remember, a house is more than just four walls and a roof—it’s a place where memories are made, so choose wisely!
3- Neighborhood
When you’re heading over to check out a potential home, it’s important to take notice of the approach as you drive through the neighborhood.
Are the surrounding houses like the one you’re going to view? Keep an eye out for any eyesores nearby that might have an impact on the property’s value down the line.
Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that the surrounding neighborhood offers the amenities you expect and that the school district is a good fit for your children. You don’t want to be caught off guard when it comes to these factors, so it’s worth paying attention to them during your visit.
4- Buy For The Long Haul
Don’t just focus on the present needs alone. It’s crucial to consider the future when it comes to your home. You want it to be a perfect fit for you not just now, but also for a good 7-10 years ahead.
By taking the intermediate to long-term into account, you’ll be better prepared to handle any unforeseen market downturns or unexpected twists and turns in your life.
5- Evaluate Each Room
When you attend your initial house viewing, assess each room and decide whether it aligns with your vision. Take into consideration the size and dimensions of the room and evaluate whether it can accommodate your furniture while serving its intended purpose.
P close attention to the lighting situation, including both the availability of natural light and the effectiveness of artificial lighting, as well as the storage options within the room. Additionally, assess whether any room requires renovation or upgrading to meet your needs.
6- Home Amenities
You will probably not find a home with everything that you want. But is the home checking of a lot of the amenities on your list.
Of course, everyone has different expectations. But, amenities like central AC, a wood-burning fireplace, a sprinkler system and a master suite might be amenities that a home buyer may look for. Does the house have enough of the amenities you were hoping for?
7- Size of The Home
There usually is a relationship between the size of the home and its asking price. A smaller home, completely renovated and in great shape, could be the same cost as a much larger home that needs work.
Analyze the home size and room counts to make sure it works. You may find a completely renovated home that is smaller, but it may not have the bedroom or bath count you need or lacks a family room for the kids.
8- The Property
As you are viewing a house consider the property itself and imagine how it aligns with your lifestyle. Is there ample room for your children to have a safe play area? Is there enough open space for your dog to run and exercise freely? Does the property provide the level of privacy you desire, or are you too exposed to neighbors or public view?
Checking these aspects ensures the property fits your needs and enriches your quality of life.
9- Storage
Storage may not be appealing as a stunning new bathroom, but it is essential for many home buyers.
As you are viewing a house assess the closet situation for each room, is it ample? The basement also serves as an area for storage. Will the basement allow for safe dry long-term storage?
The attic is another area that is possible to use for long-term storage. Make sure you have safe access to the attic and there is a place to safely store bins and boxes.9
Viewing A House- Don’t Get Enamored with the Eye Candy
As a buyer viewing a house, it is very easy to get sucked into the shiny new kitchen and baths or glossy new floors.
The problem is it is easy to see a renovated kitchen or new laminate floors or brand new hardwoods.
But it is not so easy to see what matters, like a properly installed and vented roof, a brand new electrical panel or a $10,000 french drainage system in the basement.
Or was the subfloor properly prepped for the laminate floor installation?
While it is easy to see yourself utilizing the brand-new kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, an older kitchen, while not the most beautiful, can provide you with many years of service before renovating.
But a roof in failure you can’t ignore. Once it starts leaking it needs to be fixed immediately or you get costly water damage throughout the house.
Or a furnace that fails leaves you with no hot water and heat and if it is winter you will end up with frozen pipes.
These repairs can’t wait.
When Viewing a House Look For Substance When You Look Past the Bling
Avoiding A Pig with Lipstick Starts With Your First Viewing Of A House
First, when you are viewing a house, look past the cosmetics. Look at the overall condition of the systems, structure and finally, the safety of the home. Visually are any major repairs or updates that need to be done to the home now or in the intermediate future?
Seriously when was the last time your friend told you they called the handyman in the middle of the night for an emergency repair because they could no longer stand the color of their master bath vanity for one more moment?
Your buyer’s agent should be experienced in viewing homes. They can help you identify the different areas of the home that may be deficient or alternately that appear to be in great shape. It is also a buyer’s agent’s job to help remove the emotion and excitement to help you as a buyer make good decisions as you view a house.
Carefully review the Sellers Statement of Property Condition. The sellers statement of property condition gives the seller the opportunity to discuss the systems and structures of the home while they have owned it. There can be some revealing information about past problems with the home.
Your last line of defense is your home inspection. Take it seriously. This is not the time to price shop or use Groupon. Get the best home inspector you can find. Show up and stay focused during the home inspection. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and understand the scope of an issue, especially if it is a major or costly issue that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.
Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions about the home you are thinking of purchasing. There is a lot of money at stake and now question or concern you have should go unanswered.
Final Thoughts
The cosmetics of a home are certainly far more visible and tangible than the overall quality of the systems and structures of a home.
On top of it we are bombarded with buzzwords like granite and stainless appliances from social media, home reality shows. It is easy to get overly focused on the eye candy and ignore more important areas of the home.
Now I am certainly not saying cosmetics are not important when buying a home. They are, and they should be considered in the overall decision to buy. But don’t make your decision to buy a home solely on the fact that it has some eye candy. Make sure the home has some substance behind it and the house is not just a pig with lipstick!Home
Other Home Buying Resources:
- Bill Gassett How to Tell If You Need a New Roof
- Kyle Hiscock Top Reasons to Have Your Home Inspected Before Buying
- Joe Manuasa Why Home Buyers Should Expect an Updated Property Disclosure
- Kevin Vitali What to Do When Your Home Inspection is Less Than Desirable
- Paul Sian Top Issues Found in a Home Inspection
- Maria Mastrolonardo How to Avoid Falling in Love With a Money Pit
