5 Point Buyer Checklist For Inspecting An Open House

5 Point Buyer Checklist For Inspecting An Open House

Inspecting homes on open house days can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very confusing for the serious home buyer. The are several important things to look for and here are six points to get you started:
1. Will The Home Need Upgrading?

What needs to be done immediately to bring the property up to your standard (or taste)? What about the color scheme? Do you prefer carpets, ceramic tiles, or wood floors? Consider the methods of heating and/or air conditioning. Is there adequate insulation from weather extremes, or will you need to invest some money upgrading?

Think not only about what you like, but also about what might improve the value for when you come to sell. Think about what might need to be done in the near future in the way of maintenance or improvements? What cost will be involved? Expect lower maintenance costs with a brand-new home.

2. Is The Layout What You Require?

If you think you may need more space in the future, be sure the house and lot will allow for expansion. Will your furniture fit in the space? Is there enough storage space? Carry a tape measure with you when inspecting open houses. The tape measure is for measuring rooms, heights etc.

3. Are The Bathrooms And Kitchen Adequate?

The kitchen and bathroom(s) are a key factor in any home. Do they meet your requirements? Redoing a kitchen is likely to be expensive. Be certain of what you need and want before you buy. The same goes for the bathroom. Do you need one, two, or three bathrooms? Do you need a separate toilet, shower, bath, jacuzzi?

4. What About Views And Aspect?

Does the property have good views? Is the land level? Is there easy access to the property? Is the parking, or garaging facilities, adequate? How is the property sited in relation to the sun and the prevailing winds? Take a pocket compass with you to open houses. The compass is for checking the house aspect in relation to the sun. Don't rely on a real estate agent to provide accurate answers to your questions. Check for yourself. I have caught out many real estate agents by checking their directions with my pocket compass.

A well sited home costs less to heat and cool and can save thousands of dollars over the years in utility bills.

Good luck with buying a property!