What Should I Take With Me When Looking at Homes?
When visiting homes, you should be sure to bring:
1. A checklist. You've already prioritized your home needs, listing features that you must have, would like to have, and definitely do not want in your home. Make several copies of this checklist, and bring one to each of the home showings you attend. How does the home compare to what you wanted? Make detailed notes for each home you visit, so that you're sure to remember the details.
2. Comfortable, durable shoes. When you're looking at homes, you want to see everything. That means going down into the basement. It means walking the property, regardless of the weather. It means going up into the attic. You can't do these things in high heels, at least not comfortably. And you certainly don't want to walk through wet grass, or snow, or a muddy basement, in shoes that you have to worry about. Wear your most durable, practical shoes.
3. A list of questions. You'll want to pose a lot of questions when you're house hunting. What needs to be replaced? How old is the roof? What's the basement like? Are the windows original, or replacement? What are the neighbors like? What appliances, furniture, or features come with the house? Is the house in a flood zone? Is there a public sewer? If it's a septic tank, what's the capacity, and when was it pumped? Write these questions down in advance (or you might forget to ask), and make notes as you go.
4. A Polaroid or digital camera. It's hard to remember every detail of a house, particularly if you see a number of homes. What better way to keep track of different homes than by taking photos when you're there? Take pictures of the outside, the most important rooms, features that you particularly like, or features that concern you. Later, you can clip these photos to the notes that you took while there, and refresh your memory about the house.
I've Fallen in Love With a Home. How Can I Be Sure it's "Right" for Me?
Falling in love with a house is the first step toward securing your "dream home." Before declaring "this is it!", you need to make sure that the house really meets your needs. Is there really enough room for you - both now and in the future? Are there enough bedrooms/bathrooms? Is the house structurally sound? How much work would need to be done before you felt comfortable living there? Does the wiring need to be updated? The appliances? Will your belongings fit in the house? Is there sufficient storage? How does the size of the house compare to where you're living now?
Remember that you're seeing the home at its neatest, most presentable condition. The sellers have probably scrubbed the house spotless. It's possible that they even put many of their belongings in storage, as a way of making the house look bigger, less cluttered. Can you envision the home with all of your belongings in it? How will it look with your kids' toys scattered everywhere? With dirty dishes piled next to the sink? Will you still love the house then?
Take your time, and think carefully before making an offer. Ask your real estate agent what she considers to be the pros and cons of the house from a professional standpoint. And remember: on average, homeowners see 15 - 20 houses before finally settling on the "right" one.
