10 Things Most People Forget to Check When Viewing a Home for Sale
Updated: Dec. 02, 2022You're on the hunt for your next home. You know what you're looking for—a large kitchen, a modern bathroom and a two-car garage. But are there things you may be overlooking? Here are 10 things people often forget to check for when looking for a home to buy.
The neighborhood
If the home that’s for sale is in a neighborhood you don’t know well, it’s worth a few trips to the neighborhood during different times of the day. Check out the neighborhood at night—is it a place where you’d feel safe once the sun goes down? Is the home in a college neighborhood where late-night parties may keep you up at night?
Your commute
What will your commute be like to and from work? Test your commute from the house that’s for sale. See what rush hour is like in the morning and in the evening.
Noise
Noise can be an issue for many home buyers. Is there plane or train traffic noise? Is the home near a freeway? If you’re a light sleeper, noise can be major problem.
Association fees and rules
Is the home that’s for sale in a community where you’ll have to pay homeowner association dues? Will you be able to paint your front door your favorite color? If the home is in an association, find out what the dues are and read through the bylaws. Watch out for these other sneaky costs first-time homeowners need to know about.
Neighbors
Ask about the neighbors and try to meet them, if possible. Neighbors can make or break how you feel about your home. Meeting your neighbors can really help you gain insight into what the neighborhood is like.
Resale value
Even if you plan on staying in the home for several years, consider the resale value. Does the home back up to a busy street? Are there several apartment buildings on the street? Is the neighborhood undergoing a revitalization or is it struggling? Consider things that may scare off potential future buyers.
Bedroom-to-bathroom ratio
When it comes to bedrooms and bathrooms, you’ll never regret having more bathrooms. Not having enough bathrooms can make you regret a home purchase.
Is there room to expand?
When looking at a home for sale, consider if there is room to grow. If you don’t have kids now but plan to in the future, will there be enough room? Is there room to add on if needed and would it be affordable? If you work from home, is there a place where you can do so without distractions?
