When you’re on the hunt for a house, an open house is a good way to “test drive” the properties on your list of dream house potentials.

But don’t let the picture-perfect staging distract you from a thorough look into the home and what may be lurking behind those home elements to assure you invest in the best home for you and your family.

Here’s our convenient checklist of tips and warning signs. At the open house, take a further look into these home features:

  1. Under the Bathroom/Kitchen Sinks. Check for any possible signs of water damage, which could mean problematic plumbing.
  2. Windows. What direction are they facing for natural light? What’s the view like, i.e., is there privacy or are the next-door neighbors a few feet away?
  3. Electrical Outlets. Look into the amount and the placement of the outlets that would be convenient for you.
  4. Storage. Check out the closet space, the size of the storage and the placement within the house (kitchen, bedrooms, and more).
  5. Quality of Appliances. Are they in good condition? Open the doors, push the on button and make sure handles of the appliances are on and working because repairs could be expensive.
  6. Flooring. Lift up the corners of the rugs in the rooms to check the flooring conditions underneath and make sure the floors are level.
  7. Ceilings. Are there any cracks? Hairline cracks are normal, but larger cracks may mean there’s a problem with the foundation.
  8. Windows. Is there condensation built up inside the glass or flaking, bubbling paint on the windowsill? Do windows stick when you open them? Are there any drafts when they’re closed?
  9. Gutters. Are gutters pointed away from the house for proper drainage?
  10. Attic. Is it well-insulated?
  11. Baseboards and Ceiling Crown Moulding. Are they stained or warped?
  12. Smells. Does a room smell musty or of strong air fresheners or cleaning products that may be covering up pet accidents or cigarette smoke?
  13. Neighbors. Pay attention to your potential neighbors … Do they have children or pets? Do they maintain their house and yard? Also, look around to see if there are several other homes for sale in the neighborhood to make sure that’s not a trending issue.

If you feel you want to make an offer after the open house, take pictures of any damage as you walk through (because you won’t remember everything). It’s also important, of course, to hire a home inspector before you close on the home.

To sit down and discuss your plans to buy or sell a home, please call one of us at the Sands Realty Group at 843.839.4878.