The stuff they don’t tell you onHouse Hunters.
“Fresh paint, new carpet, but nothing else updated.
It’s the realtor remodel special.
Just there to make you feel good on your 15-minute walk-through.
Look at the tiles, trim, foundation to see what you really need to know.
And always drive through the neighborhood at night if you do not know it.”
“Go to showings when it’s rainy as f**k, then check out the basement.
This will expose any water issues with the foundation that even a moron like me could see.
Passed on that house.”
“Walk or bike through the neighborhood; you will learn more about it than a drive.”
Or, the angle at which the ground slopes at the foundation of the house.
Seriously, when you’re looking at a house, do a walk around the perimeter first.
Could save you tens of thousands and future foundation problems."
At best, you’ll have a tough time hanging anything.
At worst, you’ll have the contemporary open floor plan of your dreams (nightmares)."
“Pizza delivery no-go zones.”
Practical stuff: You almost always are going to want more storage.
It’s easy to overlook when you’re busy looking at the kitchen and bathrooms.
Pay attention to cabinet space in the kitchen.
Also, pay attention to the temperature the sellers keep the house.
In the summer, a nice cold house is quite welcome when it’s 100 degrees outside.
Look for shoddy DIY work, too.
“As a construction guy, just, just, just check the attic.
People buy houses and never check the actual AC.
If there is any strong smell, don’t buy.
No one spends $80 on Glade Plug-Ins unless they are trying to hide something.”
You mostly want to watch out for it if you’re seeing it by appointment."
“My grandfather sold real estate for decades.
The first two things he looked for was the roof and the furnace.
“One of the first things I look at before I view the house is the MLS.
In my area we have a 17-day average on market.
Some houses will sell in less than 10.
Some may sell in 23.
Once it hits 30-plus days, it is a huge red flag to me.
There are multiple reasons why a home won’t sell.
It could be a bad shape home, greedy sellers, or simply a bad-at-marketing agent.
But again, if I see 30-plus days, I become more skeptical.”
If you smell bleach, thats bad).
Also, check the fuse/breaker box to see signs that one throws more often.
And any obviously recently super-cleaned vents (hides mold).”
“Did the homeowners bother to clean for the showing?
check that and have the inspector check whether the bath fan actually ports outside.”
“Be sure to test all appliances that are staying with the house.
Ice maker, dishwasher, microwave, garbage disposal, stove, washer/dryer, etc.
20.And finally, “For the love of God, check your cellphone signal in the house.
So, I’m SOL.”
