Buying A Home
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Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
'Going on our first Open House - any tips?
My BF and I are going to our first open house this weekend. We will be ready to buy shortly, but I want to have a trained eye once we are actually looking to make the big purchase.
Do any of you have any pointers to take note of when at an Open House (I mean, beside the obvious).
TIA!
Re: 'Going on our first Open House - any tips?
Are you working with a realtor at all? If so, I would definitely mention to the realtor at the open house that you are being represented by so and so. If not, the realtor may ask you questions about your budget (I would probably be vague and not really give a whole lot away) and may also ask you to write down name/contact info (some open houses did this but not all).
They should give you a tip sheet with all the info on the house. I always asked if it wasn't specifically mentioned what, if any, appliances were staying. I also usually asked why the sellers were selling. H and I would then walk around the house and my best advice (and this is after doing a few open houses on our own and then many private showings with a realtor) is to not get swayed either positively or negatively by cosmetic things. Paint is easy to change. Light fixtures can be swapped out. Wallpaper can be stripped. Don't let those things deter you from a house you otherwise love the layout and location of.
However, don't let it mask problems either. Pretty wall colors and updates won't be important if they have water damage, a bad roof, an A/C that needs replacing, etc. Check out all the appliances and how old they are. Also look at the neighborhood and not just the house. Stand in the backyard--can you hear traffic? Are there noisy neighbors outside? Those things won't go away if/when you buy the house.
I also usually asked the realtor how long the house had been on the market and if there had been any price changes since it was on the market. If there are comparable-looking homes for sale in the same area, I would see how much those are going for as well.
That's great advice, Summer.
We've considered a lot of this, so it looks like we're on the right track.
Thanks a bunch!
Also look at the neighborhood and not just the house. Stand in the backyard--can you hear traffic? Are there noisy neighbors outside? Those things won't go away if/when you buy the house.
Drive around the neighborhood for a couple of blocks in all directions. Note the condition of the other houses, as well as how close and what kind the nearest commercial intrusion is. Or do this on Google Earth.
Find out about the school district. A good district will mean better prices for houses.