What I look for During Property Viewings
1. Prior to the showing
There are a few key things that I lookout for prior to showing any property that may change what I look for during the showing including:
- Age and Era
- Home Type
- Property Disclosure Statement
- Property History
Checking these things before showings could clue me in to the expectation of the home
For example if the home was built in the 70’s, I’m no longer looking for knob and tube wiring that needs replacing and instead looking for aluminum wiring because the home was built in the 70’s and aluminum wiring was the trend in that era.
2. Things that Could Prohibit Home Insurance
There are a few things that home insurers ask home buyers is the type of electrical and plumbing that the home has:
Ideal Plumbing Type (for insurance):
- PVC
- PEX
Ideal Electrical Type:
- Copper Wiring
Main Plumbing Stack:
- Cast Iron
3. Foundation and Structure
While some homes have finished basements and others don’t I do try to see the foundation as best as possible from the interior and exterior.
Horizontal cracking is worse than vertical cracking.
Vertical cracking may seep water but horizonal cracking may be a result from outside pressure onto your foundation and pose structural issues.
Also sloping on the main floor could mean structural problems that may originate from a horizonal crack
4. Big Ticket Repair/Replace
What’s more to love than walking into your new home and not knowing that there are 15k worth of renovation that you have to make without knowing beforehand?
Here are the big ticket items to look for:
- Age of furance + high v.s. mid efficient furnace
- Age of hot water tank + gas v.s. electric tank (electric is better)
- Age of panel and panel type + amount of space left
- age of air conditioner
- Shingles
- Dual v.s. Tri Pane Windows (Tri pane is better)
- Knob and tube wiring
- Aluminum Wiring
- Galvanized steel plumbing
- Age of kitchen appliances
While these item may be in working order even if they’re older I always point it out because I feel its better to know when an expense is coming up rather than not knowing!
5. Energy Efficiency and Heat Loss
This category and big ticket repairs are going to mesh but these are what you’re looking for:
- age of furnace + high v.s. Mid efficiency (high efficiency is better)
- Age of hot water tank 15 year lifespan + gas v.s electric. electric is much more efficient
- Windows + Doors
- Attic insulation
While you can’t really see the insulation with a 30 minute viewing, if it’s winter and there is snow on the roof, if you see patches of snow missing and icicles on the eavestrough. that is an indication of heatloss through the roof.
6. Your Lifestyle
Lastly of course we need to find something that you’re going to fall in love with and that includes:
- kitchen reno
- bathroom reno
- flooring
- basement develepment
- garage
Everyone is different and this comes down to whether or not I can truly listen to what you need and want.
I can protect you with all the other components of the home but you need to love it to live in it.
I hope this helps the understanding of exactly what I look for when I help you purchase a home and I hope I have the pleasure to work with you!