The Art of House Hunting (Part 2)
Choosing Your Perfect Home
Last week we reviewed the steps to take before beginning the search for your next home. This week, we're focusing on the search itself.
Before going any further, you'll want to be sure you've laid the groundwork we talked about last time. Have you made your budget? Have you identified your requirements? Do you know what your dealbreakers are? Great!
Let's get started...
Find a Real Estate Professional
I'm sure this sounds a bit self-serving coming from, well, a real estate professional. And of course I believe I would be a wonderful choice to assist you. But no matter who you select, it is vital that you have someone in your corner who knows what to look for and what questions to ask.
Working with a qualified and experienced buyer's agent means there will be one person who accompanies you through the entire process, and whose only goal is to assist you.
- They will sift through available homes to identify those that meet your requirements.
- They will arrange for you to view promising homes, then accompany you on visits to take down your questions and find the answers.
- They will stay with you through the inspection, appraisal, contingency, and closing process, smoothing out potential hiccups and representing your interests.
- They will negotiate, on your behalf, throughout the entire transaction.
Carefully Consider Each Home You Visit
Sometimes when a home is perfect on paper, the visit can feel like a formality. Everything looks great and the price is right. The pictures are stunning and the kitchen is gorgeous. It's close to work and your children's school. All your criteria have been met. What could be left?
A lot, as it turns out. That home might be perfect in every way, except... it shares a property line with a junk yard. It backs up against a major highway. All of the bathrooms are on the second floor.
Visiting a promising home is not a formality. The home has passed your first test, yes, but the second is just as important. Here are just a few examples of what you might look for:
- How does the floor plan feel as you move through the home?
- Are the bathrooms close to bedrooms and to common areas?
- Is the kitchen laid out well for the amount of time you, personally, will spend in it?
- Are there sufficient electrical outlets in every room?
- Is there enough closet space?
- What direction do the windows face, and do they allow enough light into the home?
- Do the doors and windows open and close easily and freely?
- Are there any unusual smells (or have artificial scents been used excessively?)
- If there is basement or attic storage, how accessible is it? Is it dry and clean?
- Are there obvious signs of neglect or unrepaired damage?
- Are the floors springy or sloped?
- Stand outside and close your eyes, considering carefully what you smell and hear. Is there anything that you cannot live with?
Arrange a Full Inspection
Once again, this is an area where an expert should be put to work. Find a qualified, licensed inspector and make sure they explain clearly what they will look for and what they will not. Certain property features like fireplaces or swimming pools require inspection by specialists.
When the inspector has completed their report, review it carefully. Ask questions. Pay special attention to things like:
- The age, quality, and general condition of the roof.
- The condition of the HVAC and plumbing systems.
- The condition of the electrical panel, etc.
- The condition of kitchen and laundry appliances.
- The condition of the foundation and structure.
- The presence or evidence of any water damage.
That's it!
You've considered all the promising homes, you've identified and visited the homes with the most potential, and you've carefully inspected and evaluated the home you want. Sit back and let your real estate professional streamline the paperwork for you.
The only thing you have left to do is... pack. Oh, dear.