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Do you think you have found the perfect home? Hold on, and think again, it might not be as perfect as you think.
There are six little details which can turn an ideal house into a purchase you may regret. Before you make your offer, take into account these six small, but surprisingly important details:
#1: Check Your Cell Reception
Does your future dream home have cell reception? Check your signal when you’re on the property and see if it has dead spots, poor/limited data connections, or flat out “NO SERVICE” messages. This is especially important if you telecommute or had planned on skipping a landline entirely. While you can try and live on VoIP connections, WiFi, and other options, the hassle of a hole in cell coverage can wear on you.
#2: Calculate Your Commute
It’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, and for kicks you decide to see how long the drive is from your potential dream home to your office. Doesn’t seem too bad, does it? Now try it during rush hour on a Monday (in bad weather if you can swing it). You might be surprised how school zones, backed-up interstate ramps, new construction, and peak transit schedules extend that commute. This goes for urban commutes too, so even if you don’t drive to work, you’ll want to evaluate the commute in real-world conditions.
#3: Check the Delivery Zone
Restaurant delivery areas are often drawn like congressional districts, so if you can, check out what the local food delivery options are like ahead of time. Look up a few places, call them, and verify they deliver to your address. (Asking the average delivery time is a good idea, too.)
#4: Do a 24/7 Check
The home may be in a neighborhood that is quiet and peaceful on a Saturday afternoon, but what is it like on a Friday night? What kind of traffic is there in the mornings? There may be an excessive number of children playing in the street in the afternoons after school. It is wise to do a drive-by at various times of the day, as well as various days of the week.
#5: Give it the Sniff Test
Do you smell sewage, gas, or anything equally unpleasant? Sewage systems in older homes can sometimes get clogged or damaged by tree roots. Luckily, some sewer or plumbing companies can send a camera through the pipes to detect any breaks or blockages. How does it smell outside? There are some neighborhoods that have distinct odors from nearby farms, landfills, water treatment plants, and industrial parks. It is vital to give it the sniff test inside and out.
#6: Touch EVERYTHING
Literally, touch everything. Turn on every faucet and light switch, open every window and door, and flush the toilets. Buying a house is a big step, quite possibly one of the biggest, and you need to know how everything works firsthand. Don’t forget to taste the water. There are water treatment options, but water quality is something you will definitely want to know prior to becoming homeowners.
Markets can be super competitive, but remember that you’re planning on living in this new house for a considerable amount of time. (Most people would tell you at least 5 – 7 years.) Perhaps your priorities don’t include these six details, but they might to other buyers when you’re ready to sell.
As a realtor, I truly respect the time it takes to find the best home for the best price. I diligently do my homework for you to find what you are looking for. Contact me at (928) 710-9148, I’d be happy to show you homes for sale in the Prescott area.
