Home Buyer Tips - 5 Tips for Viewing Properties

You have decided its time to move. Maybe you need more space for your growing family, or you are looking to buy your first home, or maybe you’re an empty nester and are thinking about downsizing. Here are some things to keep in mind when you begin to view properties in search of your next home.

Set a Budget and Stick to it

I recommend that before you even think about viewing homes you should get pre-approved for a mortgage and you should understand the costs of home ownership so you can determine a price point for your next home that will be affordable for you.

Once you have set a budget for the amount of money you are willing or able to spend on your home, you should only look at properties that are priced at or below your budget. To often buyers will decide to “just look” at a home priced outside of their budget only to fall in love with that home. This can result in you getting frustrated when comparing the home, you can’t afford to homes within your budget that are not as nice, or lack some amenities.

It’s Not Your Décor

When you begin to view homes there is one thing that is very important to remember. The decor in these homes is not yours.

If you decide to buy this home you will not have to live with that old sofa, you can change the colour of paint on the walls, the house will be, more or less, empty when you get the keys. If a home has dated decor that isn't your style you have to look past it.

This works both ways, if a home is beautifully staged and is decorated in a style that you love, keep in mind that if you purchase this home you will be moving your furniture and decor items into the home.

Make sure when you are viewing homes that you look beyond the decor and think about if the home is right for you.

Size Matters

One thing that is important when viewing a property is to determine if the layout and room sizes are right for you and your family. How will you use the space, do you need an open concept living area, are the bedrooms large enough to accommodate your king size bed?

It’s also important to remember that the way the current owners are using a space may make it seem larger or smaller depending on lighting, décor and furniture size. Use measurements to determine the size of rooms.

Signs of Problems

When you are viewing a home be sure to be alert for possible problems with the home.

Be sure to do a visual inspection for signs of water damage or possible mold. Have there been repairs made to the ceiling? walk around the exterior of the home and see if there are any potential issues with grading around the foundation of the home.

Also be sure to use your other senses, is there a smell or odor that are cause for concern, does a basement smell musty?

By being observant when you are viewing a home you can find possible problems before you make an offer or have some concerns that you can ensure are looked at by your home inspector during your inspection prior to closing.

Big Ticket Items

Check on the age and state of any mechanical systems in the home such as furnace, air conditioner and hot water heater.

Note the types of materials and possible age of the plumbing and electrical systems, and you should inspect the windows, exterior doors and the roof (from the ground) to determine the condition and if any of these will need to be replaced.

While a home inspection will address all of these areas it is a good idea when you are viewing a home to take note of all of these items and you can take any areas of concern into account when you are getting ready to make an offer on the home.

Don’t forget if you are planning on including the appliances in the offer to take note of the age and condition of the appliances so that you know what you are buying.

Viewing properties to find your next home is an exciting process. It is important to have a game plan in place so you can make the best decision for you and your family when you are looking at which home is right for you.