The walk-through that counts
House hunting is exciting — until you realize you're making the biggest purchase of your life and every detail suddenly matters. You've already talked to a mortgage professional and know what you can afford. Now comes the part where you actually walk through homes and decide if one of them is worth your money.
It's easy to get distracted by nice countertops or a fresh coat of paint. But before you make any financial commitment, you need to look past the staging and check the things that actually affect how the house will perform for you. Here's what to focus on when you're touring a property.
Roof condition
The roof is one of the most important — and expensive — parts of a house. Before you decide to buy, look carefully at the ceiling inside for any signs of leaks. From the outside, check for missing or curled shingles.
If you're buying an older house, extensive roof repairs or a full replacement can cost you a fortune. Make sure you're convinced the roof is in good shape, or at least know what you're signing up for.
Unpermitted additions
Sometimes a house listed as two bedrooms and one bathroom will have an extra bathroom or room that wasn't in the listing. That sounds great — until you find out the addition was never authorized.
If the work wasn't permitted, your local authorities could hit you with hefty fines. In some cases, you might even be forced to tear down the unpermitted construction if it's a safety hazard. Even if it's safe, you'll likely have to pay to get it permitted after the fact. Do your homework to make sure any additions are properly documented and approved.
Strange smells
Your nose can tell you things a staged photo never will. Mold, for example, usually smells like wet socks. Depending on how severe the infestation is, it can compromise the structural integrity of the house and lead to persistent respiratory problems.
Getting rid of mold completely is difficult and costly. If the property smells off, dig deeper to figure out what's causing it and how bad the problem really is.
Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC
Don't let fresh paint distract you from the systems that actually make the house work. These include plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating and cooling (HVAC).
If the water pressure is weak, there could be a serious plumbing issue that'll cost a lot to fix. Same goes for any signs of trouble with the electrical system or HVAC. These aren't cosmetic problems — they're the bones of the house, and they matter more than granite counters.
Take your time and ask questions
House hunting is exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking when you realize how much is at stake. Take your time touring the available homes. Choose the one that meets your needs and expectations, not just the one that photographs well.
If you have doubts about anything — roof, permits, systems, smells — ask the realtor for more information. A good agent will get you the answers. A good mortgage broker will help you figure out if the numbers still make sense once you factor in any repairs or upgrades you'll need to do.
