Things Buyers Should Look for When Buying a Home

Posted on Nov 14, 2016

House hunting is a hectic time in a person’s life. There is so much to think about and consider in addition to daily activities and tasks.  Buying a home is full of planning, excitement, stress, and reward (once you find the right home). As a realtor in Southwest Florida, I wanted to share with you some of the best tips and things to look for when buying a house. Although this list cannot make all the stress disappear, it can help you to know what things and hidden issues to keep in mind to make buying a house easier.

  1. Figure out what your deal breakers are. Such things could include: type/style of kitchen, level of renovations needed, amount of storage, size of backyard, number of bedrooms, layout of house, etc.
  2. Focus on the structure more than the superficial aesthetics. Rooms can be repainted. The current furniture will not be yours. You should focus more on items that can be major expenses down the line or cause problems. Be on the lookout for loose wires, cracks in walls and foundation, old appliances, leaks, etc.
  3. Look for water stains. There could be a current leak. Don’t be afraid to ask to have things moved in the home so you can make sure the homeowner isn’t hiding any leak or crack. If the house is newly painted, ask why!
  4. Pay attention to the smell of a home. Is it a musty odor? The house could have a mold problem. Definitely don’t ignore this smell; mold can cause health problems for you and your loved ones. Does the home smell awful? Or like gas? Maybe they were smokers? There could be a sewage issue or gas leak. Address these issues so they can be repaired before you purchase the home.
  5. Check that the heating and/or air conditioning systems are functioning properly. Ask how old the boiler and furnace are, and if they need to be replaced anytime soon.
  6. Take a good look at the roof. If a roof needs to be replaced, this is a huge expense.
  7. View the home at different times of the day to get a few of how the home and yard receive light, as well as knowing the traffic/types of people/activity in the neighborhood.
  8. From light switches to toilets, make sure everything around the house Is working. Test the water, doors, faucets, closets, fans, etc.
  9. Pay attention to the temperature of the house, to make sure it’s right where it should be based on the time of year. If the temperature is off, the house could have insulation or system issues.
  10. Inspect pipes to make sure everything is in working order.

There’s only so many things you can look for yourself, so it is best to hire a professional home inspector to ensure everything in the house is in working order and up to code. No house is perfect, but it is better to know what you’re getting yourself into. Many issues found can also lead to bargaining down the price during negotiations, which would offset the price of repairs or replacements.

If you’re looking to buy a house in Southwest Florida, I, Kim Arasimowicz, can help! As a SWFL local, I know the area well and am able to answer and address all your questions and concerns. I hope my insight into the above topic of what to think about when buying a home helps you during the buying process. To get started on your dream home search, contact me today at 239-214-1039 or click here.