There are a lot of big decisions that you will have to make in your life, and perhaps one of the biggest comes in the form of buying a home. Whether it is your first time home or you’re looking for something new, there still is a lot to know during the process. Our agents are here to share tips on what to look for when viewing a house during the buying process. Knowing and being prepared can make a difference to ensure that you are getting the best deal for the home of your dreams.
What to Look for When Viewing a House
We had our agents think about the top things that they would advise homeowners to look at when they are viewing a home. Here is what they had to say.
1. What is the Orientation of the Home?
Whether or not a house is facing north or south or east and west can mean a number of things for you as a homeowner, according to broker Rodica Bartels.
“The positioning of a house plays a role in determining how much natural light will come in,” she says.
This natural light can determine how much your heating and cooling bills add up to. The orientation can differ based on where you live, so it’s something to think about when purchasing a home in the Phoenix area.
“Most people prefer a north to south facing in the valley, as the sun sets from east to west and will be shining directly into your home at some point in the day,” Rodica adds.
It is all about preference, though – and patio covers or trees are a factor to consider if the facing of the home you’re looking at isn’t quite ideal.
Read: The Best Neighborhoods in Phoenix – a Newbie’s Guide
2. Are there any Smells?
This may seem like it would be obvious to look for, but realtor Elizabeth Romero stresses the importance of keeping your senses alert.
“There are several smells that homes can have that mean different things,” she says. “Probably the top two to keep a lookout for are the smells of sewage or a damp odor.”
Sometimes, a moldy or damp smell can simply mean that the home is poorly ventilated, or, it could mean a bigger problem. Looking under sinks and around pipes can allow you to see if there is any water damage or mold building up. Bathrooms and kitchens can sometimes hold in the dampness if there are a lack of windows or ventilation fans, so be on the lookout for those too. A more unpleasant smell would be that of a sewage problem – most likely a blockage in the pipes. Plumbers are able to come out and clear up the mess relatively easily. Other odors to pay attention for are that of pets or cigarettes. These can actually require a full replacement of carpeting if poignant enough.
3. Do any Rooms Need Serious Remodels?
The top two rooms that are the most costly to remodel are the kitchen and bathroom, according to our realtor and CEO, John Crow.
“There are several things to check for in each of these rooms to ensure that you’re not stepping into a larger project than you were expecting,” he advises.
When it comes to kitchens, pay attention to the cabinets, flooring, counters, and appliances. Cabinets can be quite costly to replace or install, so are the existing ones up to par? Do they provide enough storage, or are you going to need to add space somewhere to make it a practical space? When it comes to counters, you are looking at the difference between laminate and solid surface – laminate is more prone to chipping. If you use your kitchen often, this may pose a problem. One of the most important things to look at is the state of the appliances in the kitchen. Are they relatively new and functional, or are they late models that might fall apart after a use?
“Pay special attention to the refrigerator,” John adds. “This can be particularly expensive.”
When it comes to the bathroom, checking for cracks and leaks is the number one priority. Besides checking for these in the tub, toilet, or sink, make sure to check for leaks coming from pipes.
Find your Best Home with CENTURY 21
It’s safe to say that when it comes to what to look for when viewing a house, there are several things to take into account. Knowing what to look for when viewing a house and being an aware homebuyer can be the difference between getting a good deal or overpaying for a home. Our realtors at CENTURY 21 Northwest are always happy to share their tips and expertise during the home buying process. They are here to answer any questions you might have and to ensure that everything is up to standard when it comes to your potential home. Contact us today to help us get you on the path to owning that dream home!
