How a Buyer's Agent Looks at a House

HOW A BUYERS AGENT LOOKS AT A HOUSE, OR "KICKING THE TIRES"

If you hire a buyer's agent, particularly if he or she is an exclusive buyer's agent, you expect a certain level of attention to the things that matter when you buy a house.  What may get overlooked in the process is how the agent can help you evaluate the house from the first time you see it in person, at the showing. A good buyers agent will help you look for the things that really matter and avoid being swayed by colors, fancy decorating and shiny new appliances. You need to "kick the tires" when you see a home.  Here are some tips from a buyers agent:

OUTSIDE

As a buyers agent, I think curb appeal is over rated and I like to remind my buyers that you can fix a lot of curb appeal issues with paint and landscaping.  More important factors to a buyers agent are the location of the home on the lot-is it on a downhill or uphill slope-- the direction it faces, how you enter the home and how low maintenance the exterior is.

Other things a good agent looks at for a buyer is the age of the roof and windows (expensive and overlooked costs of a new home) and what exterior space the home offers-a deck or patio or porch.  These add value.

INSIDE

I always take my buyers to the kitchen first. Forget the granite counters for now.  First look at how much light gets into the kitchen and where the user faces-it is out into the room or a window or will you be looking into a wall?  Is there a pantry? Is there room to eat either at a counter or at a table? Last but not least, look at the cabinets, counters and appliances.

BASEMENT

If you have a good buyers agent, you will next check the basement.  Do the sniff test for water issues-it is the best way to know if there has been a problem. If the laundry is here, is it pleasant enough to want to go there? Look at the heating system for general condition.  Read any maintenance records. See how neat the electric panel looks-sure sign of a good electrician.

REST OF HOUSE

It is the exterior, kitchen and basement that contain the biggest money items. The remainder of the house should be attractive, functional in layout, have adequate storage and appear to have been well maintained (look for calked tubs, clean fireplaces, etc.). 

To learn more about how to look at a house, visit www.FindAhominPA.com  and go to Buyers Tips

Copyright 2010 Linda Walters, Sage Realty LLC