Buying a home is an exciting process, but it’s not all roses and sunshine. While a home may present itself in perfect condition, there are some things to look into before you pull the trigger! Taking the time to evaluate the condition of a home on your own or with a professional set of eyes, can help you avoid costly issues. Think about what you need, like a home gym or even a big backyard for the dogs. Those that opt out of initial inspections may put in an offer on a home, only to realize later on that there are underlying issues like mold or water damage.
So what should you look for when you begin your searching for your next home?
Find a Loan
Before you begin the home buying process, determine what loan is best for you. Look out for high interest rates and lenders that don’t take the time to understand your financial situation. Some mortgage questions to ask your lender are: What type of home loans do you offer? What is the annual percentage rate? Do I qualify for any down payment assistance programs? Find a mortgage and home loan lender with diverse options to help you find the right fit.
Location
Once you are preapproved for your mortgage you can start the home inspection process. As soon as you arrive at a house that is on the market, inspect the location. You’ll want to see if you like the neighborhood because if you don’t, there’s really no point in going inside. Unless of course you just want some ideas. Determine if you feel the neighborhood is safe, in a convenient location, and if the weather is a good fit for you. It can also be good to consider if there are any parks nearby, major freeways that might cause noise disturbances, and even what grocery stores are around. What are your first thoughts when you pull up to the area? Your initial gut feeling can tell you a lot about whether an area is a good fit for you. If you don’t feel the location is right for you, you can move on and visit another one!
Exteriors
Upon arrival, inspect the landscaping. Looking at the landscape will tell you a lot about how well maintained a property is and it can also point you in the direction of the foundation’s status. Foundation issues will depend on the area, weather, and age of the home, so have these things in mind when inspecting. On the exterior walls of the house, you’ll want to examine if there are any cracks or siding. These indicate foundation issues. In addition, check for irrigation issues. Look at the soil to see if it is dry or cracking, as this will give you a good idea about how the irrigation system is working. Also, depending on location, a moist ground around the foundation can be beneficial and prevent issues. Ask the seller about the weather conditions in the area and learn more about a solid foundation to prevent issues. Weak foundations could cause issues inside the home, and even cause your house to settle.
You’ll also want to take a look at the exterior windows and doors to see how well they are sealed. If you spot any cracks or misalignment, this can indicate that there is foundation damage or wood rot. Furthermore, leaks found in the frame of windows can lead to higher energy bills and cause window fog because moist air seeps in between the glass panes. Next, you can examine the garage to see if it is well sealed and fully functioning. If a gap or separation is present, it can indicate that there is a foundation issue, or that the area needs to be resealed.
Interior
As soon as you walk in the door, use your senses! The first thing you should notice when you walk into a home is the odor, and this is actually really important to keep in mind. What does the house smell like? Try to smell beneath any candle or air freshener scents that are typically placed in an open house to make it more welcoming. The true underlying odor within a home will tell you a lot about the condition of the home, if there were pets living there previously, and even if there is mold. Smoke and other unpleasant smells will linger in the carpet and walls. And while carpet can be deep cleaned or removed, strong smells can be difficult to completely remove, so don’t be afraid to cross a home off your list if the smell doesn’t sit right with you.
Internally, you’ll want to take a look at the ceiling and corners of the walls to make sure that there are no cracks. Small hairline cracks can be normal and nothing to worry about, but any major cracks will be a sign that there are issues with the foundation. Take the time to open and shut all the doors inside the home as well, making sure that they shut properly. Over time, as the foundation of a home sinks into the ground, settlement issues can arise and cause doors to stick or not close properly. This typically happens because the home’s foundation has dropped below the original elevation of the foundation. If doors effortlessly open and close, this is a good sign that there are no major foundation issues.
Floors
Flooring is another thing to examine. If the floors feel uneven or even slightly slanted, it can indicate underlying issues. Swelling or curving of wood flooring can indicate water damage, while cracks or separations in tile can indicate underlying settlement problems. You can also inspect the floors with a cosmetic eye, and see if there are major scratches or chips. Taking note of this will be helpful when it comes to negotiating and last minute repairs.
Water
Functioning water is huge. It is used to cook, clean, and maintain greenery, so don’t be afraid to turn on the faucets when you’re checking out a house. Some key things to look out for are how soft or hard the water pressure is and how quickly the temperature changes. If you find that you’re waiting too long for the water to turn hot, or the water pressure is too soft, ask the seller what water system is in place. Also, check the water tank, usually located in the garage, to make sure that the safety code is up to date. Reconfiguring water systems can be a huge cost, so to avoid that, figure out what kind of water you’re working with to begin with.
Ceiling
Lastly, look up to inspect the ceiling and lighting. Examine the current lighting fixtures and determine whether or not it is sufficient for you. Another thing to take note of is the ceiling and if there are any shingles, discoloration, or damage. Yellow or brown stains can indicate a leak and potentially mold. There also shouldn’t be any bulges or worn out spots because these deformities in the ceiling indicate that the roof needs to be replaced.
Overall, the home searching process can feel foreign if you are not familiar with construction. Luckily, your next open house will go a lot smoother with these tips in mind, as you will know exactly what to look out for. If you’re considering purchasing a pre-owned home, take note of any quick fixes and cosmetic band-aids that will need to be addressed, so that you can discuss them with the seller before putting in an offer. Furthermore, if you complete your inspection and feel there is too much that needs to be addressed, it may be worth crossing that home off your list!
Catalina McFarland
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Catalina McFarland holds a B.S. in Communication from Arizona State University. She is a blogger at catasparkle.com where she loves sharing her passion for wellness and personal growth. Outside of writing, she loves traveling, doing yoga, and reading.
