Apr 25, 2023
It’s the moment you’ve been dreaming of – viewing potential properties that will become your next home! You're probably experiencing a mix of excitement and stress, and we get it. It can be overwhelming to take in all the details of a property and make sure it's worth your hard-earned money…
As a family-owned and operated custom home builder in the Chicago suburbs with over 60 years of experience, we at Overstreet Builders know the importance of having a discerning eye when viewing a property. And it certainly helps to have a list of things to look out for in order to make an informed decision! So here are our top tips when viewing a property.
Location, Location, Location
You've heard it before, but it's worth repeating — location is everything! Not just for the practicality of having access to amenities or your workplace and personal life, but also for potential resale value.
From a practical standpoint, consider things like:
- Is the neighborhood safe and secure?
- Is it conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and parks?
- Are the schools in the area good?
- Is the commute to work or other important destinations reasonable?
- How far away is the airport if you need to travel for work or just want to get out of town?
Niche is a great resource to check out the safety ratings, school districts, cost of living, and even reviews by residents when researching potential neighborhoods.
Next, think about how the area might change over time:
- What kind of industry could come to the area and raise house prices or property taxes?
- Is it a rapidly developing area that's likely to become more desirable?
- Will the neighborhood be attractive to potential buyers 10-20 years down the line?
All of these things will help you decide whether the property is worth the investment.
Exterior Condition
Curb appeal is what usually grabs the eye first — but aside from aesthetics, you want to make sure the exterior of your potential property is in good condition.
The exterior can tell you a lot about the quality of the home and how it was maintained over time:
- Does it need fresh paint?
- Is there visible damage to the siding or roof?
- Are there any drainage issues?
- Could the landscaping use some work?
- Are walkways, fencing, and decks in good shape?
If the exterior of the property is in poor condition, it may be a sign that the previous owners didn't take good care of the property.
But you also have to watch out for "lipstick on a pig" — when a house has been painted or had cosmetic improvements, but the underlying issues have not been addressed.
If you can get information on when improvements were made to the plumbing, electrical, roof, and other aspects of the home, that can help you understand the condition of the property.
Most homebuyers are eager to rush inside and explore, but take your time outside and get a good look around. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you find or it could help you avoid making an expensive mistake!
Interior Condition
Once you've inspected the exterior, it's time to move inside. The condition of the interior is just as important because it can tell you a lot about the quality of construction and any issues that could pop up in the future.
Look for details like:
- Surfaces (walls, ceilings, floors): Are there any cracks, signs of water damage, or extreme wear and tear?
- Windows and doors: Do they seal properly? Are they in good condition?
- Kitchen and bathrooms: Is there any water damage or mold?
- Lighting and electrical: Are the fixtures modern and in good working order? Are there GFCI outlets in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room? Has the electrical panel been updated?
- Appliances: Do they come with the home and are they up-to-date and in good condition?
It's been a seller's market for a while, so depending on how the market shifts, you may not have the luxury of negotiating. That's why you need a good understanding of what you're getting into.
Layout and Flow
If you're like most people today, you're spending more time at home than ever before. Work, play, fitness, entertaining — it's all happening in the same place. Does the floor plan make sense for your lifestyle needs?
Think about your daily routine and whether the layout can accommodate it:
- Are there any awkward pathways that could cause congestion or that will make furniture placement a nightmare?
- If you plan to entertain in the future, do you have enough space to host friends and family?
- Do you have a growing family that will need more bedrooms and bathrooms in a few years?
- Are there any dead-end rooms or nooks that could make the home feel cramped?
- Do you have enough storage to keep your things organized?
Sure, remodels can fix a lot of things — but it can be tricky and expensive to completely re-do the layout of a home. So get a good feel for the inside before making an offer.
Additional Features
Sometimes it's the "extra" features that truly make a home stand out. As you tour, pay attention to the details:
- Does the house have any unique character, such as built-ins or vintage details?
- Is there a fireplace or a wood stove that could offer extra warmth and ambiance?
- Are there any outdoor features like patios, decks, or pools that you can enjoy throughout the year?
- Are there energy-efficient appliances that could save you money on utilities?
- Are there any smart home features that can make your life easier?
These features can add value to the home, but they also require maintenance and can be costly to repair or replace.
House shopping can be a long and arduous process. If you'd rather not deal with the headache of figuring out the condition of a property and whether it meets your needs, building custom may be the better choice.
At Overstreet Builders, we specialize in crafting custom homes that match each family's unique lifestyle. We start with the idea and design process and handle everything from there, so you don't have to worry about any of the guesswork or headaches that can come with buying an existing home. Contact our team to learn more about how we can bring your vision to life!