Buying a house is exciting, but it’s also a stressful and time-consuming purchase, which makes it easy to overlook things that could become major annoyances once you move in. A beautiful kitchen or big backyard might grab your attention during a showing. But the less exciting details have a bigger impact on everyday life. Before you fall in love with a house and rush to make an offer, take some time to check these things.
1. Distance from Work or Other Important Places
A house that looks like it’s 20 minutes from work on a map could turn into a 45-minute commute every morning and evening when traffic is factored in. That means an hour and a half of your day stuck in a car. As most of us know (but tend to forget) traffic patterns can completely change depending on the time of day. If possible, actually drive from the house to work during the hours you normally would. You may find that it takes way longer than you initially thought. You can do the same test with schools, grocery stores, favorite places, or anywhere else you regularly go.
2. Try to Look Past the Pretty Stuff
Fresh paint, nice furniture, new countertops, and beautiful staging can make a house look impressive. Try to set all of that aside and focus on the things that are harder and more expensive to change. It takes just seconds to light a scented candle, but somethings aren’t so easily changed. Look at the layout, room sizes, condition of the roof, windows, flooring, HVAC system, and other permanent (and expensive) features. Decorating can only go so far.
3. Test the Water, literally
Turn on faucets and showers while you’re walking through the house. Weak water pressure can be one of the most infuriating “minor annoyances” of all time. If possible, turn on more than one faucet at once to see whether the pressure noticeably drops. Pay attention to how quickly sinks drain and look underneath them for leaks or signs of water damage. A thorough home inspection should catch plumbing problems and much more, but you can still spot obvious problems yourself.
4. Listen to the Neighborhood
Don’t assume a quiet neighborhood at 11 a.m. will also be quiet at 9 p.m. Come back at different times of the day and week. That empty park across the street might be bustling with screaming children come 3 p.m. Listen for traffic, barking dogs, nearby businesses, school intercom systems, trains, or any major construction project. What seems peaceful during a weekday showing (which might have been strategically scheduled) can feel completely different on a Saturday night.
5. Read the HOA Rules
If the house belongs to an HOA, do your due diligence before buying. Find out exactly what you’re agreeing to. Some associations have strict rules covering everything from exterior paint colors to fences, parking, landscaping, and where you can keep your trash cans. And these organizations can have a surprising amount of power, including the ability to levy fines and place liens against a property. You should also inquire about upcoming special assessments. These are additional charges owners may have to pay when the association needs money for a major expense. The HOA fee may be $400 a month, but if the neighborhood pool needs to be redone, they might require each homeowner to pony up $10,000. This generally happens when reserves are low, so take a look at the HOA’s reserve fund as well. Low reserves increase the likelihood of a special assessment. Don’t wait until after closing to discover the ins and outs of the HOA.
6. Check Your Internet Options
Strong and consistent internet is now a basic necessity for most households, especially for those who work from home. Find out which providers service the address and what speeds are available. Don’t assume that just because a nearby neighborhood has high-speed internet, the house you’re looking at does too. Service options can vary even in the same small town. You can verify service availability directly by calling the provider.
7. Find Out About Upcoming Construction Projects Nearby
That empty field behind the neighborhood might not stay empty for long. The day you sign at closing could also be the day they break ground on a two-year-long construction project for an apartment complex. Do your research on planned developments, road projects, commercial construction, and zoning changes around the property. A new grocery store five minutes away could be a big convenience, but a busy highway expansion right behind your house might be terrible.
8. Check Your Phone Inside the House
Take out your phone while you’re touring the home and see how well it works. Check reception in different rooms. Some houses have surprisingly bad cell service due to a variety of permanent factors. It could be the exact location or specific construction materials. It can become a big inconvenience and is worth knowing beforehand.
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