When you step into an open house, it’s easy to be captivated by the staged perfection. The thoughtfully arranged furniture and stylish decor are designed to make the property feel like your dream home.
But don’t let the aesthetics distract you. Beyond the surface appeal, it’s essential to evaluate the home with a critical eye. Here’s a helpful list of essential items you should check.
Natural light can significantly impact the feel of a home. When walking through, take note of which direction the windows face. Do they let in ample sunlight, or is the house in constant shadow? Equally important is the view—are you looking out onto beautiful greenery, or are you staring straight into a neighbor’s window? And of course don't forget to check the quality—energy-efficient windows can make a huge difference in your heating and cooling bills.
Plumbing issues can easily go unnoticed during a quick walkthrough. Open up the cabinets under sinks and check for any signs of water damage or leaks. Stains, mold, or dampness could be a red flag for bigger problems down the road.
Your home inspector will test the functionality and safety of the electrical system. But what about the number of outlets and their placement? It's a good idea to do a quick count of outlets, and make sure there are enough in every room to accommodate your needs. Think about bathroom outlets for personal care, kitchen outlets for your cooking gadgets, and outlets in the rest of the rooms to accommodate your lighting, chargers, and electronics.
Closet space is always a key factor, but think beyond your clothes and shoes. Is there enough storage in the kitchen and bathroom for your daily needs? What about cleaning appliances like vacuums and floor steamers, or supplies for your crafting or woodworking hobby? Don't forget the holiday decorations you only use once a year! Make sure there's ample room for all of your things, in easy-to-access locations.
You can't normally test the appliances during an open house—if you start cooking breakfast or running a load of dishes in the dishwasher you may be asked to leave! But be sure to give them a look to make sure you like them, and of course ask the Realtor if they stay with the house. Don't forget to ask about the washer & dryer, as it's not uncommon for those to leave with the seller.
Don't forget about the outside of the house! Take a walk around, and in addition to making sure the yard size will work for your purposes, check out the landscaping. Is it easy to maintain? Is the yard graded away from the house to prevent water intrusion? Is there vegetation growing too close to the foundation and siding?
You can also ask the Realtor if the property has a Seller's Property Condition Disclosure (SPCD). This is a document that the seller fills out, answering questions—to the best of their knowledge—about the house. Things like age of the roof, type of electrical system and known defects in the structure are included. It's not a substitute for a home inspection, but it's definitely a valuable source of information.
This list covers some of the most critical things to look for during an open house, but every home is unique. If you find an open house that you're really interested in, get in touch and we can revisit it together for a closer look!