How Interest Rates Impact the Market
Real Estate Tips
When looking for your next home, attending open houses can be a great way to get a sense of a potential property and decide if you can imagine yourself or your family living there. It can be easy to be influenced by the curb appeal or the staging of a home, but there are several other important things to consider. Here are the most important things to check out at an open house.
Damages
You’ll want to take a close look at the overall condition of the home and keep an eye out for any indications of potential damage that could end up costing you in the future with repairs. Look for any cracks in the walls or flooring, or signs of water damage or mold such as stains on the ceilings or near the baseboards. Things like uneven tiling in bathrooms can indicate that repairs may have been done poorly and will likely have to be redone. Check that windows and doors are in good shape and operating smoothly.
Storage Space
While you may feel uncomfortable opening closets and pantries in someone else’s home, storage space is one of the most important things to consider when buying a home. Make sure that the closets provide ample space for belongings and that they are laid out in an accessible way. When viewing a condo, ask to see the storage locker if there is one, to get a sense for how much additional space you’ll have.
Noise
Pay attention to the neighbourhood a property is located in and any potential factors that could contribute to unwanted noise disturbances. For example, if there is a firehall in close proximity, you may have to deal with sirens. Certain businesses in close proximity – such as bars, schools, or daycares – may also add extra noise. When it comes to condos and townhomes, noise is even more important. When at an open house, pay close attention to see if you can easily here people in the hall or in the next unit over.
Natural Light
Consider which direction a home is facing and the number and size of windows to get a sense of how much natural light a home will get. Consider which rooms windows are placed in as well; for certain rooms like bedrooms, natural light may be less important, but for a living room or home office, ample sunlight can be important.
Privacy
When viewing a detached home, you may want to spend some time in the backyard to get a sense of how much privacy you’ll have from neighbouring properties. Is there adequate fencing or trees lining the property?
Our licensed real estate agents can help guide you through the open house viewing process and more to help you find your dream home.
RELATED ARTICLES
