Buyer Bulletin: What to Watch for When Touring a Home
Seven things buyers should – but probably don’t – look at carefully when touring a home:
The Landscaping. Landscaping costs a lot. Fencing can too. Factor these into the evaluation of the home overall.
Water Pressure. Low water pressure could indicate underlying problems in the pipes. Check faucets, showers, tubs.
The Garage. Some SUVs are too tall to fit in older garages.
Cleanliness. Most sellers will do a “once over” to eliminate obvious issues. But look at shower and tub floors, inside appliances, and other nooks as indicators of how well the house has been cleaned and cared for.
What’s Not Put Away. Is the vacuum in the hallway? Brooms in the corner? Could mean the closets aren’t big enough to fit them.
The Ceilings. Look for sags, slopes, water damage.
HVAC System. If it’s nearing the end of its life span, you could be looking at big expenses soon. Don’t forget to check the compressors outside the home as well.
BONUS TIP: Tour the house in socks to better detect warped, sloping or bumpy floors.
