Little-Known Things to Look for When Buying a Home

There are so many things that go into buying a home. Typically, you’ll start the process by identifying an area where you want to live. From there, you’ll likely narrow down the home style, house size, and budget. Aside from the standard things you should look for when buying a home, there are some lesser-known things you should keep in mind. Make sure to reference this list before you start viewing homes to ensure you’re fully prepared to buy your next house.

Strong Scents

Be wary of homes that have strong scents. If you walk into a home and immediately smell air freshener, candles, or fresh-baked cookies, make sure to be on high alert. Homeowners often use strong scents like these to mask other, more serious odors. Keep an eye (and a nose) out for anything suspicious as you tour the home that may be the cause of the bad smell.

Appliance Conditions

Appliances are considerably expensive to replace. Make sure to look at the age, style, and condition of all of the appliances in the home. If they are an older model, you may have to pay to replace them in the coming years. Keep in mind that if you are used to high-efficiency appliances and your new home has older versions, your electricity bill may be impacted. While it may not be a make-or-break type item, it is something you should look for and budget accordingly.

Nearby Water

Pay careful attention to the surrounding area of the home. Is there a creek or lake that is relatively close to the house? If so, is it close enough to cause water damage and flooding if there is heavy rain? If a body of water is close to the home, make a note to ask about it and if it should be a concern. You should also do your due diligence and look for any watermarks on the inside and outside of the house that indicates water damage.

Large Trees

Trees can be nice for shade and privacy, but they can also be a big expense. If the home you are looking at has trees, take a closer look at them. First, make sure the trees look healthy and well-maintained. Hiring someone to trim or cut down a tree can be costly. Next, check the roots of the tree. Are they coming up through the ground or paving at all? An unruly root system can make it difficult to cut your grass and may disrupt your driveway or walkway. Finally, make sure the trees are far enough away from the house. If a large tree were ever to fall onto your home, it would cause significant damage. While unlikely, it’s something to keep in mind.

Landscaping

Finally, take a look at the landscaping of the home you are looking to buy. While a big yard can be nice, especially with kids, make sure you are prepared for the work that goes into maintaining it. If the house has very extensive landscaping, it may take more work on your end to keep up with it. Understand what you are prepared to do as it comes to yard work so that you aren’t stuck tending to more than you expected later on.

Keeping these 5 little-known things to look for when buying a home in mind when house hunting can help you select the best home for you. Not only can these items be costly when ignored, but they will also take away from the joy of owning a new home. If you’re ready to take the next step and become a homeowner, head over to the contact page and reach out!