Plenty of buyers have overlooked a gem because of bad wallpaper or dated furniture. Others have allowed themselves to be seduced by fancy wallpaper and furniture in a home that otherwise didn’t satisfy their needs. The challenge is to make sure you’re seeing each home objectively. Here are some tips.
Don’t gush.
When touring a home, keep your thoughts to yourself, especially if you love the place. This will help your negotiating position later.
Take LOTS of photos.
You think you will remember everything, but you won’t. Take lots of photos of each property, inside and out.
Bring decision makers.
If your partner or spouse also needs to give the okay, wait until they are available to tour with you. It will save a lot of time not to have to revisit homes over and over.
Bring a tape measure.
Some spaces may be too small to accommodate your existing furniture. Take key measurements, but remember - buy new furniture to fit your new house, not a new house to fit old furniture.
Ignore decor.
As hard as it may be, you need to see past furniture, wallpaper, wall color, and carpets. All those things will or could easily change once you move in.
Once you become interested in a particular home, you should drill down to more detailed items:
- Is there rust on the HVAC or large appliances?
- Is the house messy and dirty, which can indicate overall neglect?
- Are there many homes for sale on the street?
- Is the roof in good shape?
- Is the HVAC working in each room?
- Are there hurricane shutters?
- Are any door frames tilted?
And don’t forget to look at:
- The neighborhood and location
- The home’s curb appeal
- The size and the floor plan
- Closets and storage
- Windows and lighting
These are only a few of a whole host of issues you will encounter when looking for a new home. For the right expertise to guide you through a home tour, contact a Tauber Real Estate Services Specialist by calling 561-623-5480.