You just discovered your dream house is on the market. Better yet, an open house gives you the opportunity to determine if the house is all you imagined. The last thing you want, though, is to get swept up in the moment and miss something critical. Go prepared, focus on your senses, ask plenty of questions and your dream home may become a reality.

Come Prepared

Hunting for your dream house is the journey of a lifetime. For that reason, make sure you take a cell phone or a camera, a notebook, measuring tape and anything else you think you might need. Don’t hesitate to take plenty of pictures and jot down measurements, points of interest, possible questions and anything else you think is important. 

Beyond the Glitz and Glamour

Open houses are designed to appeal to potential buyers and feed the dream. Difficult or not, look past the glitz and focus on the grime. Check to make sure there are no cracks in the ceiling or walls, no watermarks signifying leaks or chipped paint. You also want to ensure the pipework and central unit are in good working order. 

Focus on All Your Senses

As much as your eyes tell you about a potential home, listen to your other senses as well. Don’t dismiss a strange smell as it may warn of hidden mold or a sewage problem. You shouldn’t ignore the uneven sections in the floor you feel either because they could be cracks in the foundation. Relying on your senses will definitely put you on the path to your true dream home. 

Ask Away

The thought of asking too much sets you on edge, but you may discover more than you imagined. After all, it’s easy to find out how old the house is, but not why the owners are selling or how long before they move out and how many other offers have been made. Real estate agents such as those at Mark Fox Company make themselves available to answer every question you can imagine and help you in any way you need.

A dream home can quickly become a nightmare house if you don’t do your homework before you sign on the dotted line. Take advantage of an open house, take your phone, look beyond the glamor, listen to all your senses and ask plenty of questions. These simple steps help ensure your dream house doesn’t become a lemon.