Open for inspections are a great opportunity for homebuyers to check the condition of the property they are looking to buy. In order to make a sound buying decision, buyers and investors should either visit the home themselves, or appoint a trusted professional (such as a buyers advocate) to do so on their behalf.
When onsite, take notes to keep track of the home, what impresses you or what you don’t like.
If you are seriously considering a particular home, make sure to visit more than once. Whilst there and with permission from the agent, take the opportunity to snap photos of the different parts of the house. These will be a great future reference as you will not remember everything. Second and subsequent visits will start to give you a real feel for the home and paint a picture of the property’s condition, including any major and minor problems.
So, what should you look out for? Here are things to prioritise at property inspections:
Check for any obvious cracks in the walls. Cracked walls can signal issues such as a house sinking or the need to replace stumps or even underpinning works . If large cracks are present, seek the advice of a professional such as a structural engineer.
Look for signs of leaking in gutters and eaves. The roof should be waterproof. Leaking gutters or obvious signs of rust can indicate perhaps the home has not been well maintained. Check for any signs of leaking inside the home too. If there are any issues, we suggest appointing a building inspector (before you buy!) to ascertain what might be going on.
Spotted obvious signs of recent patch ups or fixes? Tell tale signs such as a ceiling that has been patched or water marks on the ceiling need further investigation. For example, peeling pant can be a sign of moisture in the area. Darker patches on a ceiling (or an area that is a different colour) can often indicate a roof leak.
Floors – are they even? Floors that are sloping or bouncy could indicate the need to replace stumps. Depending on access to do the job, this can increase the cost involved so ask questions.
Does the bathroom or laundry smell of mould? Walls that have mould signal exessive moisture in the area. This may be a simple fix, such as replacing silicone. It may also be a major issue, such as cracked tiles or showers leaking. Get in a professional to understand the exact cause.
Whilst onsite, you can ask the real estate agent regarding anything you spot, to find out more. However, it is always best to do your own due diligence. After all, the real estate agent is working for the vendor, not the buyer. The responsibility to understand the condition of a house rests solely with you, the buyer.
Looking to buy in Melbourne? Talk to me about how I can help you buy your new home faster, for less.
Give me a call on 03 9686 2288 to discuss how I can help. I offer free 20-minute consultations, so why not call today?
