Open houses may be staged to look like a home decor dream, but don’t let that distract you from the real reason you’re there: to potentially buy a home. Make sure you can look past the neatly arranged furniture and focus solely on whether the house would be a good fit for you and your family. To help, here’s a home buyer’s checklist of things you might have missed at first glance.
Windows – Look specifically if they are facing the right direction to let sunlight in, and whether they open to a nice view (versus directly toward another neighbor’s window).
Under the Sink Cabinets – Check for possible signs of water damage due to leaky plumbing.
Electrical Outlets – Make sure there are enough outlets for the appliances and other electronics you’ll be using. If not, you can decide if that’s a renovation you’d like to make.
Storage Space – Don’t just look to see if there’s enough closet space, but look for closet placement. Also check that the storage is in a convenient location.
Appliances – If they’re included in the house, make sure they’re in good condition. They should be on and working while you’re there.
Under the Rugs – Lift up any rugs to check the condition of the floor underneath.
Floor Level – Check to see if the floors are level. Place a marble or another small, round object on the floor and see if it rolls consistently in one direction.
Attic – If the house has one, make sure it’s well insulated.
Water Spouts – Runoff from the gutters should be pointed away from the house, so take a step outside to see if this is the case.
This list isn’t all-inclusive, but it’s a good place to start.
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