Inland Empire Real Estate
Serving Home Buyers and Sellers in the Cities of
|
Our 5-Step Home Purchase Plan
Step 4: Let’s Make an Appointment and See the Interior
You’ve gotten pre-approved for a home loan with monthly payments to fit your budget. You’ve identified the neighborhoods you like, and the features that are important to you. And you’ve found homes for sale that you like in those neighborhoods. The next step is to view the interior and the backyard.
Select several homes. I’ll make appointments with the sellers so we can view the floor plan and the condition of the interior, the patio and the rear yard. Viewing several homes allows you to compare the “feel” of different floor plans, lighting, and other features. If one stands out as the “right” home for you, we’ll move on to Step 5. If not, we’ll keep looking until you find your next home.
A few things to remember as you look at houses:
Don’t be confused by other people’s furniture, the color a room is painted, or the carpeting. Look at the “bones” of the house. Look at what it can become with your furniture, your special touch.
Take a few minutes just to imagine yourself walking in the front door and being home. How does it feel?
Do the windows provide the light, or cross-ventilation you desire? Newer homes, and updated older ones, have dual-pane windows that insulate the house from extreme weather and from external noise. Is there space to create a pleasing view with landscaping?
Rooms may have acoustical or “cottage cheese” ceilings, or have smooth textures. Crown moulding gives a room a special effect. While you’re looking upward, see if there are stains, or signs of past water damage. Circular stains, or dark areas adjoining exterior walls may indicate roof damage. If the ceiling has been painted recently, this must be revealed, along with any past water damage, in disclosures if the seller has been living in the house.
Wall coverings, flooring, and window coverings can be replaced easily if the seller’s taste doesn’t coincide with your own. Figure out what it will cost to turn this house into your home. Can you afford it? Does it make sense? These are questions only you can answer.
Landscaping and yards – front, back, and sides – is important to most buyers. Attractive landscaping that fits your taste and needs is best, of course, but in a market dominated by short sales and bank-owned properties, the grass may be dead and trees and shrubs drooping from lack of water. Just as indoors, look at the “bones.” Is there a sprinkler system in place? What about lighting? Are patios suited for your needs? Mature trees often can be revived with attention and regular watering.
One of the joys of home ownership is turning a “blank canvas” into the Perfect Home for YOU. There are many books and magazines devoted to decorating, creating garden rooms and spaces for every need. Look for a house that has the basics. You’ll figure out the rest as you go along.
Step 5: If You Like the Interior, I Will Prepare Your Offer
|