What to Look For When Buying a House
Buying a home is a lot like falling in love—it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and charm of a space, especially when it gives you those warm, fuzzy feelings the moment you walk in. But let’s face it, that initial spark can be a little deceiving. On your first showing, you’ve only got a limited amount of time to dig a little deeper and see if the house has more than just good looks.
YOU ARE BUYING A HOUSE FOR ALL IT’S CHARM AND CHARACTER FLAWS.
I ALWAYS recommend getting an inspection, however on very competitive properties, sometimes you are competing with people that are waiving inspections! Luckily here in the Twin Ports the market it starting to balance out a little and we are seeing way more inspections. Regardless you need to be doing your due diligence from the get go! You have 30-60 minutes to view and decided on the biggest financial purchase of your life. What do you do?
Here is a comprehensive list of things to look for when you are viewing a house:
House Viewing Checklist
- Exterior:
- Exterior paint or siding (any peeling or damage?)
- Roof condition (check for missing shingles or signs of wear)
- Roof age-ish (Does it have three tab shingles or AT shingles)
- Decking/porch condition
- Visible cracks in the foundation or driveway
- Gutters
- Doors (Are they functioning properly)
- Windows:
- Age-ish
- Condition of window frames (rotting, cracked, or warped?)
- Material of window frames (wood or vinyl)
- Functionality (do windows open and close easily?)
- Seal (any drafts or broken seals?)
- Check for condensation or fogging between double-glazed windows
- Floors:
- Levelness (any noticeable dips or slopes?)
- Condition of hardwood, carpet, or tile)
- Water damage (stains, buckling, or warping?)
- Walls:
- Cracks (are they hairline, or wide and deep?)
- Signs of water damage (stains, bubbling paint, or mold)
- Condition of the paint or wallpaper
- Any bulging or bowing sections
- Kitchen:
- Condition of countertops (cracks, chips, or stains?)
- Age and condition of appliances (fridge, stove, microwave, etc.)
- Functionality of plumbing (check faucet pressure, check under the sink)
- Cabinet condition (are doors solid, and do they open smoothly?)
- Check for adequate storage space
- Bathrooms:
- Water pressure in the sink and shower
- Condition of tile grout (any signs of mold or mildew?)
- Functionality of toilets (flushes well, no leaks)
- Shower/bath condition (check for cracks, mold, or leaks)
- Ventilation (is there an exhaust fan? Any signs of humidity buildup?)
- Bedrooms:
- Closet space (adequate size, doors functioning well)
- Condition of walls and floors
- Noise levels (any street or neighbor noise?)
- Basement and Attic:
- Signs of moisture or water damage (stains, dampness, mold)
- Signs of pests
- Structural issues (cracks in the foundation, sagging beams)
- Insulation condition (especially in the attic)
- Ventilation (check for proper airflow)
- Do they have a washer and dryer?
- Hot water heater and furnace (Are they functioning? How old do they look)
- Backyard/Outdoor Space:
- General landscaping condition (well-maintained or overgrown?)
- Signs of standing water or poor drainage
- Fence or property line issues
- Condition of any outdoor structures (shed, deck, patio)
- Space for future improvements or gardening
- Other
- Are there enough electrical outlets in each room?
- How does the natural lighting feel?
- Noise levels
- Safety features (Smoke detectors, CO2 detectors, security system, etc.)
- Smell (cat pee and smoke being the worst!)
What this list is used for
This list isn’t to make you less excited about a home. NO home is perfect and no home (already built) will check all the boxes. This list is simply a good starting point for doing your due diligence on make sure there are no surprises after the purchase. This list can also help you consider the expenses you might have after you purchase a home.
Before you see a home you should consider how much work you are willing to do or how much extra money you are willing to put into a house. You should also consider your level contentment of defects. Maybe you are comfortable living in a house that has issues!
If you want a printable check list emailed to you feel free to reach out on the contact us page. Otherwise, I am always available via email, phone or DM!
Leilawiserealtor@gmail.com
406-314-7709
@wiseandcohomes
