Home Buying

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   ocfirefliesposted 9 years ago

   What are the three things you notice first when you visit a home?

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      sallybeaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      The smell, the light and temperature.

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   2. 0

      calculus-geometryposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      smell, organization/cleanliness, lighting

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   3. 61

      The Examiner-1posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Whether any faucets drip; are any ceilings wet/leaky looking; is thermostat - heat/A/C working?

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      1. 72

         ocfirefliesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Excellent advice.  It is easy to get caught up in the cosmetics and forget to check what could be really big problems in the future.  Thanks Kevin.

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            The Examiner-1posted 9 years agoin reply to this

            You are welcome Kim. Are you moving?
            I usually try to check more but you asked for three.

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            1. 72

               ocfirefliesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

               It has been my goal to move now that my kids are grown.  I want to find a place half the size in sq footage with enough land to guarantee privacy.  I want something that is less expensive to heat/cool/clean and an area I can fence in so I do not have to worry about my animals.

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               1. 61

                  The Examiner-1posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                  I heard about this farm around the corner from you... LOL Good luck.

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                  1. 72

                     ocfirefliesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                     Kevin,
                     
                     Yeah.  There are plenty of farms--fancy farms nearby--but way out of my budget.  Smiles.
                     
                     Kim

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   4. 83

      Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Kim, when looking for a home to buy, three things I always look for are, character (as I just cannot deal with a cookie-cutter home), must have either a nice big front porch or back porch or ideally both looking out on a peaceful and serene countryside, and then finally, I love a lot of large windows allowing tons of light into the home.

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      1. 72

         ocfirefliesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Faith,
         
         I do have the big front covered porch so maybe that will be attractive to potential buyers.
         I am like you in that I am wanting something unique that does not look like all the others.
         My main thing is that view you mention.  And living in the mountains, that is one of the (really wants) on my future home.  Thanks for responding.

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2. 72

   ocfirefliesposted 9 years ago

   Those are the same items I notice as well.  Thank you for your responses.  Kim

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3. 91

   Jodahposted 9 years ago

   State of repair..condition of roof etc, layout, atmosphere..good or bad vibes.

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   1. 72

      ocfirefliesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      John,
      
      I definitely need to feel a good vibe.  Otherwise, something in my gut tells me I should trust that gut feeling.  Thanks for responding.

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4. 59

   LindaSmith1posted 9 years ago

   You should watch some of the shows where people are looking at homes to buy.  Wood flooring, open concept, Kitchen island, stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, dishwasher, washer and dryer, wall color, size of rooms, bathroom. Most want at least 2 big bath rooms and an en suite, big yards fenced in already for kids and pets, garages.
   
   They don't want to have to make repairs or do any remodeling.

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   1. 72

      ocfirefliesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      LindaSmith1,
      
      You are right.  I watch HGTV all of the time, but most of the renovations, buys/sells take place in much larger areas than where I live.  Thanks for responding.
      
      Kim

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5. 94

   Solarasposted 9 years ago

   Curb appeal sells most homes in the first 4 minutes of entering the driveway.  The heart wants what the heart wants.  People make allowances for everything else, if the overall outward look of the home is appealing to them.  Works the same way in many marriages.
   
   If I am feeling practical and thrifty, I want to know how old the major appliances are. Is the HVAC new or ready to be replaced - that's $4K there with compressor. Are they selling the fridge or taking it with them, it's not usually a given part of the sale.
   
   What are the counters in the kitchen and bath, what are cabinets made of.  Builder grade usually are vinyl with a 12 year life span.
   
   Foundation issues - is the driveway okay or cracked - cracks suggest foundation issues from land fills.
   
   I offer these as some pointers to where my disappointments have been in my home that were easy to overlook at the purchase.  Good luck!

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   1. 72

      ocfirefliesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Solaras,
      
      I have heard many on HGTV talk about the curb appeal and how people make up their mind almost immediately.  That is one reason why I wonder if I should try to go ahead and stay where I am for the winter and then put my place on the market.  In the Spring, everything looks so much more groomed.  Potential buyers may not be able to imagine how pretty the perennials are and the lushness of the yard. ???
      
      And yeah, I learned about the fridge when I bought this place.  That was negotiable whereas the washer/dryer were not.
      
      Great advice.
      
      Thank You,
      
      Kim

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