What Should you Look for at Open Houses?

Riding around looking at open houses can be quite an adventure, especially if you are in the market for a new home. The problem however is very few people actually know what to look for in these types of situations. To ensure every open house is worth the visit, here are 3 things you should look for when viewing an open home.

The Neighbourhood

When you buy a home you are buying everything it comes with, including the neighbours. When viewing an open house you need to take notes of things such as traffic, schools in the area, local amenities, and other homes in the area. Pay close attention to how well homes in the area are being taken care of. The condition of other homes in the area will give you a good idea of what type of neighbours you will be inheriting.

The Exterior

While examining the interior is important, examining the exterior is also important. The outside of the home can literally make or break a deal. Before you leave the property be sure to give the outside of the home a thorough inspection. Look up at the roof to see if the shingles are still in decent condition.

You should also look down to ensure there are no rotting boards on the deck. How about the driveway? Does it need to be repaved? In some cases the condition of the exterior is an indication of what's waiting on the inside.

Privacy

When you buy a home one of the most important things is privacy. As you walk through the home look out all the windows. Where is the window leading to? Is it a direct shot into the neighbour's bathroom? Is there a fence that provides some sort of protection? A good fence can go a long ways when it comes to privacy.

Keep these three things in mind the next time you are looking at open houses. Doing so could save you a great deal of money, and frustration, in the long run.