10 things most people forget to check when viewing a home for sale

If the home that’s for sale is in a neighbourhood you don’t know well, it’s worth a few trips to the neighbourhood during different times of the day. Check out the neighbourhood at night – is it a place where you’d feel safe once the sun goes down? Is the home in a university neighbourhood where late-night parties may keep you up at night?

If you rely on a mobile phone for just about everything, check to see if you can get a signal inside the home for sale. If you can’t get phone service, will this be a problem for you?

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 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.

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 favourite colour? If the home is in an association, find out what the dues are and read through the bylaws.

Ask about the neighbours and try to meet them, if possible. Neighbours can make or break how you feel about your home. Meeting your neighbours can really help you gain insight into what the neighbourhood is like.

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 neighbourhood undergoing a revitalisation or is it struggling? Consider things that may scare off potential future buyers.

Imagine moving into your new home only to find the water pressure is severely lacking. Make sure to test the taps, including the shower and give the toilet a flush. Ignoring these things is one of the most common mistakes you’ll see first-time homebuyers make.

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.

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?

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Source: The Family Handyman