First Time Buyer? Here’s What You Need To Check For When Viewing Homes

This is a collaborative post

There is something exhilarating about exploring new possible houses to buy since it allows you to envision yourself and your family creating memories there. It also helps you to visualize where you would place your furniture and make a decision depending on the size and practicality of your space. However, with so many thoughts racing through our heads, it’s easy to forget to keep an eye out for some factors while house hunting. Here’s what to check for when you’re looking for a home to buy.

Signs of damp

Firstly, one of the most typical reasons why a home is listed for sale is because of the amount of damp that has accumulated throughout the property. Unfortunately for first-time buyers, it’s quite easy to hide with a fresh coat of paint. However, there are warning signs to check for so that you don’t wind up regretting your decision. Here are a few of the warning signs:

• There is a musty odor throughout the building that is not generated by dogs or smokers.
• Walls and wooden fixtures have visible degradation.
• Wallpaper bubbles
• Paint that is peeling, flaking, or crumbling
• Walls that are damp
• Dark areas on the walls, usually near the top corners

Remember to keep an eye out for damp so you don’t find out about it a few months later and have to spend more than you intended for to address the problem. If you like the house, you could request that the sellers hire a damp company and solve the damp problem before you agree to a transaction.

Additions that are useful

Rather than focusing solely on the negative, here are a few things to keep an eye out for that could be extremely beneficial to you and your family:

• Air conditioners
• Ceiling fans 
• Solar panels
• Underfloor heating
• Tinted windows
• Wooden floors
• Space for storage

All of these characteristics can add value to a home, so keep track of any that you see when looking at potential properties.

Condition of the windows and doors

One significant point that many people overlook is the quality of each property’s windows and doors. Many houses still have old-fashioned, flimsy windows that let in drafts and gusts of air. The same is true for doors, so make sure the homes you’re looking at have modern double-glazed windows so you don’t end up shivering and paying considerably more on your energy costs than you should. If you’re serious about a certain house, this could be something you discuss with the owners before you buy. If they are unwilling to have the windows replaced you could suggest knocking the price of new windows from their asking price to help keep costs down. When you have a good set of windows and doors, your energy expenses will be cheaper, and you will be safer than if you had single pane windows.

Put these three suggestions on a list of things to look for when viewing properties, and you’ll be on your way to finding the home of your dreams in no time! Best of luck with your move!