When searching for the perfect home for you and your family, you will need to manage your expectations and don’t let the surface of the home out stars in your eyes.
Rather, think critically about the home and keep these questions in mind. In doing so, you can avoid purchasing a home with unpleasant surprises.
How Does The Home Smell?
From the moment you step into the home take a good whiff of how the home smells. Does it smell clean or does it smell funky with hints of urine, mold, or fish?
Smells in the home are a good indication that something is amiss, such as excess moisture or an electrical problem. Pro tip: the smell of fish in a home where no fish is present is a warning sign that there is a burning electrical component!
Smells of urine, especially if there is a pet in the home, shows that you may have to replace flooring where pet urine has seeped in.
Is There Enough Storage?
It’s no secret that some of us have more possessions than we think we do. When you walk through a home check out its storage capabilities; don’t be shy about opening up cabinets, closets, and linen closets.
You want to be sure that the home your purchase has ample storage so you are not forced to keep items in inconvenient places such as the counter or on the floor.
Check Out Appliances, Electric, & Other Systems
Check the home’s appliances, electric, and other systems such as the refrigerator, HVAC, roof, and attic to ensure that they are in good order. Check for evidence of damage and neglect like rust, missing components, dents, mold, and leaks.
If there are repairs that need to be made, discuss with the seller who will cover the costs of repairs.
Is The Bathroom & Kitchen Functional?
The kitchen and bathrooms of the home are some of the most used rooms in the home so it essential that you know that they are in good order before purchasing. Flush the toilets, turn on the faucets, and check out the appliances for issues like low water pressure and leaks.
Always Hire A Professional, Certified Inspector
Before and after you walk through a home you are thinking of purchasing, you need to hire a professional, certified inspector to inspect the home. Features they should inspect include:
- Roof
- Foundation
- Electrical
- Chimney, doors, and windows
- Plumbing
- Exterior and interior walls