8 Things to Pay Attention to When Attending an Open House

Attending an open house allows you to take a closer look at the condition and features of a potential new home. At an open house you can view areas and attributes of the home that may not be visible in photos and videos of the property online. Preparing yourself prior to the open house with a wish list and a list of areas to take notes on can help you find a home that suits your needs. This will also prevent you from purchasing a home with hidden, expensive issues.

Here are 8 things to pay attention to when attending an open house:

1. Neighborhood characteristics:

To many home buyers, the location of their new home is top priority. Whether a neighborhood is associated with an excellent school system, or there is equity that can be built by purchasing a home in an up-and-coming neighborhood, there are many factors to consider. When attending an open house pay attention to what neighborhood the home is in, and where the home is specifically located in that neighborhood.

2. Yard space and privacy:

Upon arriving to the open house, take a look at the yard space. Is your yard made private with a fence or adult greenery? Is the yard space large or small? These factors are personal preferences, but make sure the house is on a plot of land that works for you and your family. Also take a look at how the yard slopes. If it slopes down toward the home for example, you could be at risk of water damage from a flood, so this is important to pay attention to.

3. Condition of the exterior of the home:

Before heading inside the open house, you also need to pay attention to the exterior of the home. Is the siding and roof in good condition? Is there any noticeable damage or updates that need to be made to the exterior of the home? This is often overlooked by home buyers who are too focussed on the interior of the home and fail to pay attention to the exterior condition. Updating the exterior of the home is typically time sensitive to avoid damage, and could be something you need to work into your overall budget.

4. The layout of the main floor:

As you first step into the open house, take notes on how the flow of the main floor looks and feels. New fixtures and paint are easy fixes, but if you’re not pleased with the floor plan that’s a much larger expense. The main floor is where you will spend most of your time in your home so it’s important that it fits the bill, or can get there with some updates.

5. Storage space:

Keep notes on the storage space available in the home. Does the home provide a finished and waterproofed basement that can hold a lot of storage? Is there ample closet space in the main areas and the bedrooms? Are there enough cabinets in the kitchen for the utensils and dishes you’ve collected over the years? All of these are great questions to answer when walking through a home during an open house.

6. Water Damage on the ceiling or baseboards:

Pay attention to any stains on the ceiling or baseboards during the open house. Small stains could still indicate that there is water damage that needs to be addressed behind the scenes. Water damage is a red flag when purchasing a home, so keep your eyes peeled and pay attention to smells when viewing the home. Trust your gut, if you feel like something looks off or smells musty, chances are you’re on to something. Taking notes on what you notice will allow you to ask specific questions when it comes time for a home inspection.

7. Flooring condition:

Whether the home is covered with carpet, hard wood flooring or tile, there is a good chance it has endured some wear and tear. Take notes on the condition of the flooring in each space during the open house. This could be something that adds an extra expense to buying the home that you might want to factor into your budget.

8. Cosmetic updates:

Last but not least take notes on each cosmetic update that you feel needs to be made in the home. Although these are more minor fixes, they can still quickly add up. By creating a wish list of updates you can see what you can afford to update at the home's asking price, and if you’ll need some additional wiggle room in your budget. Cosmetic updates, however, can typically be spread out over time, so they should not have the largest impact on your decision.

Come to each of your open houses prepared with a tape measurer and something to take notes with whether that be your smartphone or a pen and pad of paper. Chances are you will be attending many open houses, so creating a list of features that you can compare and contrast each home you visit with is a great way to make your final decision.

What is the first thing you check out when attending an open house? Let us know!