As a first-time home buyer navigating the spring homebuying season, you’ll likely be spending your weekends going to a lot of open houses. Be sure you’re making the most of your time by following these tips:
Ask About What You Can’t See
As Trulia noted, there will be some parts of the house you can’t really inspect at an open house, including the roof and the foundation. Be sure to ask the real estate agent questions about anything you can’t look at, such as “How old is the roof?” or “Have you ever had any flooding in the basement?”
You can also look for signs of problems with the house’s “bones” throughout the home. If you see cracks or water stains on the ceiling, this may suggest a roof in need of repair. If the door frames aren’t level or you notice cracks around the baseboards, there could be problems with the foundation. Another tip: Trust your nose. If a room smells like mildew, there may be mold build-up in the walls.
Take a Walk Outside
Don’t forget to check out the exterior of the house. According to U.S. News and World Report, many first-time home buyers get too wrapped up in the inside staging of the house and forget to walk around outside. Be sure to check out the landscaping: Will it require a lot of watering or be difficult to maintain? Are the trees healthy, or will you need to remove dead limbs? What is the condition of the patio or walkways?
Check Out the Neighborhood
While you’re checking out the home’s landscaping, be sure to take a peep at its surroundings. Location is incredibly important in real estate, so you want to get a feel for the neighborhood. Does the street seem quiet? Is there a lot of traffic? Is it close to parks, coffee shops or other desirable features? After you’re done looking at the inside of the home, go for a walk and see how the rest of the area feels to you.
If you run into any neighbors on your walk, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. Talking with other people is a great way to learn about schools, restaurants, outdoor areas or entertainment options in the community. Be sure to ask anyone you meet how long they’ve lived in the neighborhood and whether they plan to stay long-term.
Think About Your Future
Remember, buying a house is a long-term investment. The Hartford Courant suggested as you walk around an open house, think about how you or your family will be able to grow in the space. Are you planning to someday have children or start your own business? Think about whether the house has room for a nursery, child’s room or home office.
At The Federal Savings Bank, we understand the importance of owning your own home and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact our mortgage bankers today to learn more about making your dream of homeownership a reality.
By Michael Adler
Michael Adler is a Senior VP at The Federal Savings Bank and recently opened up the bank’s new Teaneck office. His office is located at 206 W. Englewood Avenue. He can be reached at 201-225-9301 or via email at: [email protected]. You can look him up at: www.thefederalsavingsbank.com/meyeradler – NMLS#28172.
