
Touring a home can be exciting yet overwhelming. As you walk
through the kitchen, you may be picturing yourself cooking your favorite
meal. In the living room, you may imagine the movie nights you’ll have
with a loved one or friend, and in the backyard, you may be already
fantasizing about all the summer parties you could host. While your
imagination runs wild, it’s important to stay grounded in reality so you
don’t miss potential red flags as you peruse the home you’re touring.
Here are a few things to look out for.
Odd Odors
When touring a home,
it’s wise to engage as many senses as you can. Judging a home solely by
what you see could leave you blind to the truth. Pay attention to any
unusual odors. Smelly rooms could potentially be home to water, mildew,
or smoke damage. If the home has an overpowering smell of incense,
potpourri, or other seasonal fragrances, this could be a sign of
attempts to cover up foul odors.
Restricted Areas
Restricted areas
can be a common occurrence during an open house, especially if the
owners are housing pets or storing valuable personal items in other
rooms while strangers tour their home. Keep an eye on this and don’t be
afraid to ask questions. Touring is your time to see as much of the home
as possible.
Evidence of Pests
Keep
your eyes peeled for signs of pests. Mice, roaches, and ants often
leave evidence of their presence. Remember to check cabinets, closets,
basements, and any other places critters find tempting. While signs of a
problem may not be a deal breaker, it could spark conversations of
requiring professional pest inspection and treatment to ensure the home
is move-in ready.
Roof Damage
Before you step foot
into the home, assess the roof. Are shingles missing? Is there visible
sagging or other damage? Anything you see on the outside could give
clues to why you’re smelling some of the odd odors on the inside. Be
sure to ask the age of the roof while touring the home.
DIY Projects
While DIY projects
aren’t inherently problematic, they are something to pay attention to.
You want to look at the quality of the work that has been done.
Unfinished, poorly done projects can lead to a headache in the long run.
Again, ask questions and make sure proper permits were obtained or any
other necessary inspections were completed.
After you’ve done your due diligence and you’ve consulted
with your agent, never hesitate to have a home inspector take a look at
the home for even more security in your decision making. Connect with
nearly 9,000 agents on REIN.com.
Ready to buy but not sure what you can afford? Check out the mortgage
calculator to help estimate possible monthly payments. Download the REIN.com app
and put the power of fresh and accurate listing data in the palm of
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