Trekking through multiple open homes over many weekends can be tiring. The homes might even start all blurring together until you can’t remember which you liked versus those properties you wanted to pass on. We’ve compiled a list of things you should be on the look out for when hunting those open houses. So grab a notebook and get ready to become an open house professional.

 

Neighborhood – When pulling up to the property, don’t stare just at the house in question. Take a moment to look around the entire neighborhood. Does it have the features you are looking for such as perhaps a park nearby, cleanly neighbors, and a safe atmosphere?

 

Appliances – Note whether or not the appliances have been left behind or will be included in the purchase of the home. Certain appliance such as the stove and oven must be left with the property but often times the refrigerator and washer and dryer leave with the current owner. Knowing if you will incur extra moving costs in purchasing these appliances is important to know.

 

Potential Upgrades Needed – When looking through the property, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by everything. You are in a new setting trying to determine whether or not you would like to call it home. Try to remember to take a step back and really look at the property. Do the walls need paint? Are things falling apart? A lot of major issues will come to light in an inspection but pinpointing potential upgrades that will be needed on the home are essential to note.

 

Cleanliness – While this one might not affect the price of the home, take a look around at the cleanliness of the property. Make a note if it is going to need a deep scrub before you starting moving in boxes.

 

Reason for Selling – Generally, the listing agent is present at open houses and available to answer questions. Take advantage of this opportunity to question why the owner is selling, any potential issues that could arise during the purchase, or if there is anything you should know about the property. Realtors will usually give you an overview on the house, its history, and some highlights you may be interested in.