Open Houses - What Should You Look For?

Open house nightmares, have you every experienced one?  Where the decor was hideous and it was near impossible to see the true characteristics of the home?  Or perhaps the decor was beautiful and you were blind to some important aspects.  

When you're spending as much as you are, you want to make sure that your eyes are truly open and you're able to see what you need to see. 

Next time you go through an open house, keep these things in mind.

1. Is there a sense of pride?

Do you see that the home is well maintained and clean? Has the paint been touched? Are the baseboards clean? Is the font and back of the property well manicured?  Even though these things might not seem overly important, it can indicate how much care the home has been given.  If these areas have been ignored you must ask yourself what else has been neglected?

2. Could you call the house a home?

Do you see aspects of the home that make you smile? Adequate storage solutions, open concept, cozy fireplace, large kitchens....etc.  Make a list of the features in a home that make you smile and take note of how many of those features can be found in this house.  

3. Does everything work?

Turn lights and faucets on and off, open and close the cupboard and closet doors, make sure the heater/AC, appliances, toilets and other such features work.  Some of these things can be costly to repair so don't be left out in the dark.

4. Flooring - is it what you want and is it in good condition?

Hardwood floors are great for value but you must make sure they are in good condition. Take a walk along all areas of the floor and check for soft or springy areas as this could mean repairs might be required in the near future.

Carpet - does it look warn or dated?  Were there pets? You want to make sure that you are not going to encounter any surprise smells after the purchase.  Be sure to look for signs of staining or be aware of air fresheners around that are being used to mask any odors.

5. Doors and windows

Are all the doors and windows in good condition?  Are they nice and secure and do you feel any drafts?  You also want to ensure that the wood surrounding the windows and doors is protected from any moisture/condensation as this can potentially cause rot.

6. Solid Building

A home inspection is strongly advised, however while you are walking around the house take note of any cracks in walls, ceilings or foundation as these can  be important to consider.


7. Signs of Water Damage

It's critical that you look for signs of water leakage in the home.  If you see any stains or bulges in the drywall, it is usually an indicator of possible water damage.  This can often result in an expensive repair, especially if not addressed quickly.  Also take this time, if it's raining outside, to go and see if there are any areas surround the house that water collects. This could be an indicator of improper grading.

So keep your eyes open when viewing open houses.  Do it on a day that you are well rested, motivated and in good spirits.  Bring a family member or a friend who can help look at the house and provide additional insight.

If you plan on buying or selling a home and would like more information or a Free Assessment please contact me,

Jamie Berube
Sales Representative
(905) 741-9104
RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.
jamieberube@remaxescarpment.com