Things to Look for When Touring Homes
So, you’ve decided to tour a home. The listing pictures resonated with you and you’re excited to check out the space that could be your next home. But before we get to writing an offer, here are a few things to look for when touring homes.
Review the home’s exterior features
You pull up to your first home tour and you’re so excited to get inside that it’s easy to glaze over the exterior features of the property. But on your way to the front door, here are a few things you — and your agent — should be sure to look for:
Roof
The roof is the first structure protecting a home from the elements. When reviewing the roof, make sure that it doesn’t have any sagging areas and take into consideration any wear and tear shown on the shingles.
Siding
Siding is the second structure protecting a home from the elements. To start, identify what type of siding (or brick) the home has. Confirm that the siding hasn’t rotted beyond repair.
PRO TIP: If siding just looks dull or dingy it can often be cleaned with a power washer to return to its optimal state. Sometimes restaining or repainting may also be needed.
Windows
Windows are the third structure protecting a home from the elements. They are also common criminals of allowing water into a home. Identify what the windows are made of — typically vinyl and in older homes, wood. Take a look at the caulking around the window casing. You will want to confirm that the windows are sealed tight to prevent water leakage.
PRO TIP: If the caulking around the windows has gaps or is crumbling and needs to be repaired, this is an easy fix. Most hardware stores regularly stock window + door caulking and a tube is around $3-4.
Garage
If there is a garage on the property, is it attached to the home or detached? Make sure to open the garage door. You’ll find quickly if there is an opener or not. If there is a door opener, also take note whether there is a key pad as well.
Concrete slabs, patios, + decks
Take a look at any concrete, patio, and deck areas. Confirm that patio slabs adjacent to the home slope away from the foundation and take note of any cracks in the slabs. Decks should be properly sealed, structurally sound, and should not be rotting beyond repair.
Grading
Grading is one of the most unassuming elements of the exterior of a home that plays a big role in preventing water problems in basements. The slope of the ground around and up to the foundation of a home is called grading. You will want to ensure that any dirt, landscaping, or structure that is adjacent to the foundation slopes away from the home in order to encourage water to flow away rather than down the basement walls.
Review the home’s layout + structure
Once inside, take notice of the layout/flow of the rooms. Can you picture your furniture in the home? Does the flow fit your living style? If you’re the DIY type, can you envision updates you would make to the space?
Find locations where you can get a glimpse “behind the curtain.” For example, unfinished basements can give you a great view of the subfloor of the main level of the home revealing anywhere there could have been a water leak. Exposed foundation walls in the basement can also tell the story of the home’s history with water and foundational settling. Further, closets and other tight spaces in older homes can sometimes give you a view of the stud walls behind.
Review the major systems of the home
HVAC
Locate the furnace and air conditioning (located outside) units. Learn the age of the systems. A well-maintained furnace will last 15-25 years on average. A modern air conditioning unit will last 15-20 years on average. Air conditioners typically have a shorter lifespan than furnaces because they are located outside and are exposed to the elements. While you’re in the home notice the airflow and take note of any spaces that feel cooler or warmer than expected.
Water heater + softener
Find the water heater and also learn what age it is. Common water heaters typically last 8-15 years. Further, see if there is also a water softener. Ask whether the sellers owned their softener or paid a servicing company to maintain it.
Plumbing
Plumbing is most exposed in storage areas of basements and can also be seen under sinks and in bathrooms. Do a quick check to confirm there are no visible leaks. It is also good to find the main water, as well as waste water lines that supply the home.
Electrical
Locate the home’s electrical panel. Is it a breaker box or fuse box? Breaker boxes with 240 amp service are standard in newer homes. In older homes you may find fuse boxes with 120 amp service. Amperage (amps) is the volume of electricity that can travel through the wires in your home powering your appliances and other furnishings.
Review the appliances in the home
To start, confirm which appliances the sellers plan to include in the sale. Most home appliances live in the kitchen — think refrigerator, oven/range, dishwasher, microwave, and garbage disposal. But, don’t forget about the clothes washer and dryer too. Take note of the age of the appliances. This could impact your decision to request a home warranty with your offer.
PRO TIP: In many new builds you will find that a refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer may not be included in the sale. Make sure to budget for these items when considering new construction.
Review the neighborhood
On your way out the door — after you’ve thoroughly reviewed the property — take a good look at the neighborhood. Ask yourself if you can picture living on the street where the home is located. Is the street busy? If you’re planning on having a family, is this a place you can see your family growing? Then, take a cruise around the surrounding streets to further understand the neighborhood and identify businesses that are near.
