Visiting an open house for a property being listed for sale is a great opportunity to get the scoop on what’s going on. You’ll have the chance to tour the house either with a real estate agent or on your own, and you’ll get to take an in-depth look at anything that catches your eye. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to ask questions and get answers.
Attending an open house is your best chance to explore and inquire about anything you’re curious about. So, what should you be looking for? Let’s take a gander.
Check Out The Mechanicals
If you’re at an open house and you’re considering a purchase at all, you’ve got to check out the important stuff. When it comes down to assessing the value and the potential for a residential property, you should try to see what’s going on with the plumbing and the heating. When in the basement, take a peek at the water heater and the condition of the pipes. You might also want to look at the type of heating or air conditioning in the house currently; you can also ask whether or not the owner plans to upgrade it before selling.
Whatever You Do, Look Down
Looking at the floors might just be the most important thing you can do when checking out an open house. Flooring is one of the most common changes made to properties upon purchasing, especially for design purposes. Knowing whether you like the flooring or whether it needs to be replaced before further occupancy is critical to deciding whether or not to buy. While walking through the property, keep an eye out for weak spots or slants in the floor as you step, especially on the stairs. These can both be indications of further problems with regard to the actual structure of the home.
Take A Lap
Either on your way in or on your way out, make sure you take a stroll around the block! Moving into a new place means more than just the home itself; a new neighborhood is definitely an adjustment to make. What’s the parking like? Are there trees or greenery nearby? Are the roads well maintained? These are just a few questions to ask yourself as you take a walk around the area immediately surrounding the property that you’re visiting.
Open houses are an exciting opportunity to imagine yourself in a new home! Want to learn more about our upcoming open house listings in the Philadelphia area? Visit us at copperhillre.com and stay informed.