I realize that as a prospective buyer you like to start your home search on the internet. I admit it makes perfect sense to view listings in the privacy of your own home during hours that are non traditional business hours that simply work for you. Many of you that are looking for your first home or are relocating to the area are making the next step in your search to view Public Open Houses which traditionally occur on Sundays from 1-4:00pm. This is a fabulous way to educate yourself, family and relatives on the current market. This is also your opportunity to meet the listing agent who in many cases has collected extensive information on the home they are representeding and will have this information available at the open house. You can expect to receive the Multiple Listing System print-out, Seller Disclosure, Survey and Feature Sheet with room measurements and descriptions.

 These two methods, the internet and viewing open houses is a great way to start looking for a new home, however, you may want to confide in your local real estate agent as your first step. I make this statement since I supply my clients and customers with maps so they can plot a driving circumference from their place of employment. This way they will not be “spinning their wheels” considering homes that in the end are simply an unreasonable commuting distance from their place of employment with rising gas prices in mind. I also introduce them to a mortgage representative who will run a credit check for free, and pre-qualify my customers for a mortgage. If their credit rating needs to be raised, an action plan to improve their credit is put into place and ways are devised to increase the amount of mortgage they may eventually qualify for. Today’s mortgage representatives are full-time professionals offering a variety of non-traditional mortgage packages that will fit current buyer needs. Last but not least, I place prospective buyers on an Auto Search from the TREND Multiple Listing System. This system will automatically send them new listings before they even hit REALTOR.com or the other public web sites. And if they have a Twitter account that is a plus for them since they will receive tweets of new listings from me and my company.

So I have given you my two cents worth of advice (27 years experience) on how you may want to start your search. Now let’s review what you should be looking in your new home so it is the right home for YOU!

Exterior of the Home

Are the trees and shrubs healthy? Are large trees located away from the home?

Are their drainage low spots around the house which could collect water? Or is the lot slopped for proper drainage.

Does the home have outdoor lighting?

Does the home have outdoor faucets or a sprinkler system?

Are driveways and sidewalks in good condition? What are the requirements of the township or borough for snow removal?

Is the exterior of the home in good condition? What exterior product is used?

What is the visual condition of the windows, doors, and chimney?

Are the roof shingles curled? Does the roof have sages and dips?

Are the gutters sufficient and draning properly? Do the downspouts point away from the house?

Are their cracks in the foundation walls larger than 1/4 “?

Flow of the Home

Does the home have space for entertainment, working and sleeping? Room for guests?

Can you easily access indoor and outdoor eating areas from the kitchen?

Is the refrigerator, sink and stove planned in the work triangle configuration for efficiency?

Can you open and close appliance doors without blocking a walking flow, cabinet or doorway?

Can you arrange your furniture in the home?

Are baths accessible and private without walking through a bedroom or living space?

Is the foyer welcoming with easy access to living space?

Basement to Attic

Does the basement have horizontal cracks which can be an indication of a shifting foundation?

Are beams and joists in good condition?

Is the attic insulated? Can you see evidence of a leaky roof?

Are attic floors springy or sturdy?

Are walls and windows throughout the home free of cracks?

Can you work windows efficiently?

Are the bathroom fixtures in good working order? Flush the toilets and run the faucets to look at the water flow and pressure.

Does the water drain well?

Does the home have adequate electrical outlets to meet your need? What is the current electrical service?

How old are the appliances in the home? Furnace, hot water heater, kitchen appliances? Are they in good condition?

What are the utility services? Public or private?

What is included and excluded in the home sale?

What is covered by the Home Owners Association?

Buyers, I hope I have opened your eyes to how you may want to start your new home search and what you may want to look for when viewing a home with your real estate agent. Keep in mind that a professional home inspector will assist you in defining many of these areas.