From testing the shower to scoping out how a home’s storage measures up, here’s how to sleuth out some really important features that you can’t judge from a listing.
While that newly renovated condo looks great in photos, what’s really behind a super cute Nashville home for sale? When it comes to assessing a potential new home, the savvy buyer knows to go full-on Sherlock Homes and relentlessly sleuth. That waterfall showerhead is beautiful, but how’s the water pressure? If the laundry area is near the living room, can you still hear the TV when the dryer is going? Do the neighbors frequently enjoy late-night soirees? Make like a crime-scene detective and put your potential home to the test — before you submit an offer.
Test Drive a Home for Sale
From the home, see how long it takes you to get to the nearest coffee shop or restaurant, and make sure you love the local cuisine or cup of joe. (A walkability score considers only quantity, not quality, of amenities.) Scope out the nearest public transportation stations while gauging the condition of sidewalks and public plantings — a well-manicured neighborhood usually suggests stronger civic engagement.
Check the Plumbing
Don’t get seduced by the stand-up shower with the exposed copper pipes and wraparound glass doors — try it out yourself. (Really, it’s not that weird.) How hard is the pressure? How quickly does the water heat up? Test the bathroom and kitchen sinks while you’re at it. Water pressure shouldn’t be a deal breaker, but low pressure could indicate a damaging leak and more water problems (and expenses) down the road.
Test all the Windows
Even if it’s chilly, open a few windows, especially in the room that may be your future master bedroom. Can you hear a lot of traffic or neighborly noise? Do your windows seem to bring in a lot of cross breezes, or do neighboring buildings block the airflow? When the windows are closed, can you feel drafts around the edge of the frames? Windows are crucial for the look and feel of your home.
Check out the Lighting!
If the open house happens on a cloudy day, schedule a follow-up visit when the sun is out. See how the natural light flows through each room, especially high-traffic areas. If a room seems especially dark, consider whether the paint color is causing the problem. On the same note, you’ll want to see how dark the bedrooms can get. Close all the shades in all the bedrooms and see if the light still filters through; you might want to throw room-darkening shades onto your shopping list.
Listen for Unwanted Sounds
This is a biggie — condo sounds in particular can drive homeowners insane. Make multiple visits to a unit to catch surrounding neighbors when they’re home and making noise. If there are multiple condos for sale in the building, bring a friend and have her walk around upstairs or in the adjacent unit to see how noise travels. And be sure to ask if children live in the building; the pitter-patter of little feet is far less charming to those who live below them.
Once you’ve assessed noise levels, you should determine how sound travels within the home. Turn on the dryer to hear how loud it is. March around in the guest bedroom to determine how thick the walls are. If you’ll need to invest in sound insulation and throw rugs, it’s better to know now.
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