When buying a home, it’s easy to rely on pictures to get a sense of the overall condition and feel of the property. In fact, since 97 percent of homebuyers use the internet to search for homes these days, agents do everything they can to attach professional photos to their listings. Although listing images can highlight the key features of a property, they aren’t always entirely accurate and may not tell the whole story. In many cases, they may even be used to hide the unattractive qualities of a home. Therefore, it is essential to look past the photos during your home search and focus on other aspects instead.
Here is precisely what to look for when buying a house.
Study the layout
When taken from certain angles, photographs of rooms can appear much more extensive than they really are. If you were to only focus on listing images alone, then you may be disappointed when you finally tour the house in person.
Therefore, it is essential to study the floor plan and focus on the actual dimensions of each room instead. Knowing the actual dimensions of a room can help you better visualize it and see its true potential. You can use measurements from furniture to plan how each piece will fit and what you can do to maximize space. Studying the layout can also help you look for any areas of potential remodeling down the line.
Examine the home’s structural integrity
Pictures can easily hide any issues or flaws with a home’s structural integrity. Most often, fixing structural problems requires expensive and time-consuming repairs that could put you well beyond your budget. Because of this, it is important to avoid falling in love with a property before you actually tour it and have a home inspection done.
Attend an open house or coordinate a private tour to see the property in person. During your walkthrough, examine the walls, foundation, and roof for any signs of flaws or damage. Hiring a home inspector is also highly recommended before buying a house. Your inspector will know exactly what to look for when analyzing the property’s structural integrity.
Tour the neighborhood
Finding the perfect property is only half the battle. More than anything, where that house is actually located is just as important. For instance, if you’re raising a family, finding a friendly neighborhood with plenty of parks could go a long way in helping you feel at home.
Since the listing photos typically only focus on the property itself, it is essential to tour the community in person. Drive around the area to get a better sense of the overall feel and proximity to nearby schools, restaurants, and shops. It isn’t a bad idea to talk to people in the neighborhood if possible. Ask them questions about the area and how they like living there. After your tour, go home and do some more research on the area to make sure it fits your lifestyle and needs.
Pay attention to the storage space
When determining what to look for when buying a house, chances are pretty good that storage needs are high on your list. Pictures cannot accurately give you an idea of a house’s storage capacity. Instead, you need to pay attention to all the available storage areas when touring the property. This means opening every cabinet, drawer, and closet to see what you can fit where. In some cases, you can also use the floorplan to get a better sense of the storage space; however, even floorplans won’t give the exact dimensions of most closets, so keep that in mind.
Test the natural lighting
Natural lighting makes rooms feel more spacious and more inviting. Therefore, you want as much natural lighting in the home as possible. When it comes time to tour a house, do not be afraid to open the shutters and curtains to let the outside light in. Doing so will help you test the home’s natural lighting and give you a better idea of how the space will look. For instance, utilizing mirrors to bounce natural lighting throughout a room is a great way of brightening up the room. Additionally, pay attention to where the sun rises and sets. This can help you visualize which areas of the home get more natural lighting than others.
Spend time in the yard
Pictures typically do not accurately capture the size and condition of the home’s yard. Therefore, it is essential to spend some time in the outdoor areas during your tour. This can help you better visualize and plan for potential upgrades in the future. Additionally, if there is a lot of grass or plants in the outdoor space, this can give you a better idea of what your water bill may look like and how much maintenance is required. Another thing to look for is how private the yards really are. For instance, do the next-door neighborhoods have a window directly looking into your backyard? If so, you might plan to upgrade your privacy with outdoor curtains or shades.
Contact the Justin Myers Team today
Knowing what to look for when buying a house can go a long way in helping you secure the home of your dreams. Since photos cannot give you the complete picture of a property, you need to focus on other aspects. From studying the layout to touring the house and neighborhood, many other factors will give you a better sense of what living in the home will actually be like.
The Justin Myers Team is a group of experts that are ready to assist you in seeing the true potential of a home. With expert insight into the local market, they can connect you with remarkable properties that check all the boxes, from Destin to Miramar Beach. So, if you’re ready to find the home of your dreams, contact the Justin Myers Team today.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
