What to Look for During an Open House

An open house is a great opportunity to “try before you buy”, and can benefit buyers looking to purchase a property. During the open house, you get a chance to explore parts of the house and decide if it’s a good fit. But what if you’re unsure of where to look? Here’s a few key factors you should pay attention to during the open house:   

What the Exterior Can Tell You

When first arriving, take this time to check out the exterior. The lawn might be prim and proper along with a fresh coat of paint, but take a lap around the house and look out for damaged windows, loose siding, or cracks around the property’s base, which could mean structural issues.

It’s What’s Inside That Counts

You’ve stepped foot inside and maybe you like what you initially see, but try to think long-term. For instance, consider:

• How long you want to live in the house and if it will fit your needs down the line.
• If you want to start or grow your family, will the space and layout work?
• Are rooms adequately sized, or is the flow all off?

It may be somewhat daunting to try crystal-balling where you might be in the future, but that one main bathroom on the second floor may not be an issue when purchasing this new home, but it could be an issue later on.

Check Out the Floors and Ceilings

Glance down, are the floors on an angle? Take a ball and set it on one side of a room. If it rolls, the foundation is uneven and may need to be replaced, even hinting at larger structural problems. 

Now glance up at the ceiling, are there any stains or brownish-looking discoloration? If so, there could be a leak. Also be on the lookout for any noticeable cracks–especially large, jagged ones which could be a foundation issue.

Take a Look at the Windows and Doors

When you are checking out each room, it is important to look at the windows. If the windows are older, it may impact your experience with the house. Unsealed windows or older windows can lead to other problems in the future!

With the doors, do they open and close properly or have weird gaps? Windows and doors that are not sealed correctly could spell out unnecessarily high heating and cooling bills, on top of just not being functional.

Closet Space and Strange Odors

The amount of closet space that a home offers will matter in the long run. As a homeowner, you will need an ample amount of storage- whether it is for clothes, coats, or other items. Lack of storage space is an issue!

Be alert for strange smells while inspecting the closet, as well as the rest of the house. Are there any musty odors (which could stem from mold/mildew), cigarette smoke or pet smells? If your nose picks up on gas or gross sewage odors, there might be a plumbing catastrophe waiting to happen.

The Neighborhood (Location Matters!)

You’ve heard it before, it’s all about location. The home might be all you’ve ever wanted, but what’s the neighborhood like? Is it relatively tranquil and quiet, or do you hear traffic? What do the other houses look like, are they maintained or in disrepair? Also, what’s the proximity to schools, grocery stores, or access to highways/freeways?

Fire and Flooding 

As breathtaking as Southern California can be, there’s the potential risk of fires in some regions. However, if in a fire-prone area, you can possibly lower your insurance premium by enrolling in IBHS programs such as Wildfire Prepared Home, which considers the materials used making the home, or if it is far enough away from brush, etc.

Flooding is another consideration, and it’s important to probe into how nature can impact the area surrounding your potential dream home. If you are in Southern California or looking at homes in Encinitas and want more information about fire risk, contact realtor Linda Moore for valuable advice today!

Ask Questions!

An open house is the time and the place to get all the information you can on a home and ask the right questions before signing the dotted line. Above all, don’t be afraid to ask your Realtor! They are there for a reason and can often be on the lookout for more flaws that you might not have noticed before.