Are you in the market for a new home in New Jersey? Although a picture is worth a thousand words, seeing a home in person still speaks volumes. That’s what open house tours are for. By visiting the property in person, you get the opportunity to “kick the tires.” Here are some critical areas that require your utmost attention during an open house tour:
The Layout of the Home
Why is “layout” such as an important factor to consider? Let’s say that your kids are still young. As a parent, you will want your bedrooms and theirs to be on the same floor. If they are already teenagers, chances are they want their rooms to be on the other side of the house. Hence, you will want to make sure that the layout of the house suits your lifestyle. Next, you may want to see if there is a potential space that can be converted into a home office.
Next, online images do not showcase the flow of the house well. During the house tour, you want to check if the rooms feel well-laid-out and spacious. Is the kitchen open and inviting? As you can see, these details are important. They help you make the most out of the space you have got.
The Condition of the Property’s Exterior
When you are done touring the insides of the house, you should walk around the perimeter of the house. You should check if there is anything hidden out of sight, i.e. not shown in the online real estate listing. You need to pay attention to the exterior paint, the roof’s condition, etc. Does the paint still look fresh? Are there any roof shingles that need to be replaced? If you do not pay attention to these details, you may need to pay for repairs and other maintenance services. After all, you don’t want to exceed your budget, right?
The Neighbors
When you buy a home, you buy a neighborhood too. During the open house tour, make sure that you pay attention to traffic speeds, surrounding amenities, and the condition of other homes in the area and the local community. Do the neighbors seem friendly? Are there pets, e.g. dogs, that are constantly barking? You will want to make sure your family can get along well with others and have a peaceful home to live in.
Incoming Natural Light
As you are walking in the property, is there enough natural light? Is the property designed and built in a way that there is good air flow through the house? Not only is fresh air and sunlight enjoyable, opening one’s windows to catch a breeze can help lower utility bills during mid-summer months!
Cleanliness
Other important places to check include the attic and basement. Do you notice any foul odors? If so, it could be a sign of mold infestation. Or the condition of the basement is so bad that it is prone to flooding. As a potential homeowner, you do not want to “take over” these problems from the previous homeowners.
