Have you spotted your top three homes on the MLS and are ready to see them in person? House viewing is one of the most exciting parts of buying a house (well, second to finally getting the keys, of course). During this time, you get to fully let your imagination run wild with the space and really feel which of the options is the right one for you. 

While you are having fun envisioning the possibilities, don’t forget about the features that will, first and foremost, keep your family safe and comfortable. So here, let’s run through the things that you need to watch out for during a house viewing in Georgia.

Overall Structural Condition

Imagine the house without the furniture and the appliances. If you strip it bare, what do you see?  — are there holes in the walls? Gaps on the floor?  Discoloration in the ceiling? The structural and foundational conditions of the house should be a priority during home viewing as it ensures the safety of your family. So if you have ample time during the house viewing, go through these questions one by one:

• What materials did they use for the wall, floor, ceiling, and sidings?
• What is the roof made of, and how is its condition?
• How is the foundation? Do you see parts outside the house that are caving?
• Is the garage door in excellent condition with a fully functioning lock?
• Are all doorknobs and locks in good condition?
• Do the windows have locks?
• When did professionals last service the electrical and plumbing system?
• What is the house’s energy source? — electric, heat, solar, or gas?
• Are there any broken windows and doors?
• How is the HVAC system?
• How much is the estimated utility bill?
• How is the flooring under the carpet?
• Is there discoloration or bubbling in the walls and ceiling?
• Is there flooding in the house, like the basement?

Kitchen & Dining

The kitchen & dining are two of the most essential spaces in a house. Yes, this is where you handle the food, but it serves more than just that. In a cultural sense, this is where family connections are made and relationships are grown — everyone starts the day in the kitchen.   Hence, if you are viewing a house, it would be nice to see a fully functional kitchen. Here are some points to check out:

• Is there water coming out of the kitchen faucet?
• How many power outlets are there?
• What kind of tiles are there for the floor?
• Are the cabinets damaged?
• How clean are the dishwashers?
• Are there any problems with the stove?
• What is the power source for the stove?
• How is the ventilation in the kitchen?
• Do they have grease traps?
• Are there any plumbing leaks?
• Is there a smoke alarm, and is it functioning?

Living Rooms and Family Rooms

According to a 2018 UCLA study, the family room is where people spend most of their time after the kitchen. This is one of the reasons why open floor plans became such a hit over the years.

So when you are checking this common area, don’t forget about the following:

• How many sockets are there?
• Is there any exposed wiring?
• When did the seller last clean the carpet thoroughly?
• Are there signs of infestations or mold?
• Are there smoke alarms, and are they functional?
• Is there enough light coming in?

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Bedrooms & bathrooms are the most private areas of the house. If you are buying a home and are planning to rent out one of the bedrooms, security and privacy will be two things that your renter will watch out for. So here are a few questions:

• Do you smell something musty?
• How sound-proof is the room?
• What kind of flooring is there?
• Are there signs of insect infestation in the corners?
• Are the cabinets and closet in good condition?
• Are there no holes and cracks in the wall and ceiling?
• Is the water heater or cooler functioning?
• Is the toilet not stuck?
• Is there running water from the sink?
• Are there no cracks or gaps in the bathroom tiles and tub?
• How clean is the shower water?

Neighborhood & Outdoor Area

Beyond the house itself, getting to know your surroundings is also a crucial step. If something terrible happens to your guests or family because you weren’t able to maintain the condition of your patio, curb, or lawn, you might be held responsible. In addition, you may want to consider how far your house is to primary public services. So when you visit, make sure to spend some time outside and observe your surroundings:

• What kinds of plants and vegetation are growing?
• Are the fences in excellent condition?
• Does the area experience occasional flooding?
• How much parking space does it have?
• How far is the house from your work, the supermarket, bus stops, hospitals, school, police & fire station, restaurants, and leisure establishments?
• How is the peace and security of the community?

Whether you are buying a house to relocate in, rent out, or fix & flip, always assess the place to the tiniest detail. You can bring your best contractor to evaluate the house, or you can tap the services of HomeSold GA — your reliable real estate partner in Georgia. For inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 770-668-4888!