Things to Look For During an Open House

You’ve been shopping for homes online and found some of them have upcoming open houses so you can actually see what the property is like in real life rather than looking at images online. It’s an exciting time! The pictures online make it seem like it’s the right home for you but, seeing the home in real life may change your perspective. Here are some aspects of an open house that you should be mindful of when viewing a prospective property for the first time.

Surrounding Homes

When driving to the home for the first time, take note on how many other homes are for sale nearby. If there are other homes for sale on the same street, this could be an indication that the area is undesirable or possibly becoming unsafe. If you are still interested in the property after the open house, drive by the home at different times of the day to get a feel for the neighborhood and what your possible new neighbors are like.

Roof Condition

Another one of the first things you should be mindful of is the roof. If there are missing shingles or it looks like repairs were not done correctly, it may lead to leaking which could be a costly expense when dealing with other new home expenses. Once inside the home, ask the agent if there have been any roofing issues and examine the ceiling for any signs of leaks.

Smell of Home

If you smell any kind of musty or mildew smell, this could be a sign there is water damage or mold in the home. Mold and water damage can also lead to a hefty expense if they are not taken care of right away. In addition to health problems later down the road. If the home smells of cigarette smoke and you are not a smoker, this smell could be difficult to get rid of depending on how long the previous owner smoked in the home. Also, take note if the house has an overwhelming smell of air fresheners. The seller could be trying to mask an underlying smell while people are there for the open house.

If you want to make an offer on the house but are concerned about some aspects, there are some things you can do about it before making an offer. You can negotiate with the seller and ask if they will repair the issues. Minor problems like chipping paint or damaged hardware may be easy fixes for sellers and will save you some time and money in the future. Be sure to walk through the open house with an examining eye and take note of any issues you spot.

At First Ohio Home Finance, we help you every step of the way during the homebuying mortgage process. To learn more, contact us online or call our office at (888) 818-1850 today!