You’ve found the perfect home, with beautiful curb appeal and a stunning new paint job – the only problem is that you don’t know what important things to look for inside the house before purchasing. Don’t worry, because we’ve got a guide for you to help make sure your dream home doesn’t turn into a nightmare!
Las Vegas is a pretty competitive housing market, which means that your realtor really wants to sell you a house. Usually a realtor will protect your interests, but it is possible that sellers may try to hide or obscure issues. These problems can cost you a lot of money later on. When you look at a new home, make sure to pay attention to these five things:
1. Foundation
Foundation is crucial in any home, and a cracking foundation can cause severe issues later on. While hairline cracks are normal and are simply indicative of a house ‘settling’, larger gaps around the edge of the home, uneven floors, or even sticking doors can be a sign your new home might be settling incorrectly. A handy tip is to roll a marble across the floor, which will tell you instantly if the floors are even.
2. Scent
The old trope of your realtor baking some cookies right before showing your house could be more sinister than just a sales tactic. If a house smells too much like a candle, air freshener, or even cookies, it could be a sign that there is mold, mildew, or smoke damage. Take a big whiff each time you walk into a room and pay attention to any funk that lingers.
3. Water Damage
Just because we live in a desert doesn’t mean that there can’t be water damage in your home. With monsoon season coming every year, several homes are in danger of flooding, and burst pipes are a common nuisance many homeowners have to deal with. Check paint, especially on the roof and in corners of the rooms, for any bubbling or discoloration.
4. Appliances, Big and Small
While a loose shower head may not seem like a big deal at first, it can be a sign of much bigger issues. Touch everything and try everything while in the home for the first time at the open house, including door handles and faucets. If a homeowner won’t be bothered to fix something as small as a leaky faucet, what other issues could be lurking?
5. Tiling and Flooring
Uneven tiling, mismatched floorboards, or unpolished hardwood can all point to a DIY job. Buying a home is a massive investment on your part, and making sure that the previous homeowner hasn’t cut any corners in something as important as flooring will be a great way to see if they’ve taken care of the home or are just trying to turn a profit.
Of course, nothing beats a full home inspection before purchasing a home, but getting a close look yourself can save you the hassle of making an appointment 9 times out of 10.
