You’re in the market for a new home in Myrtle Beach and your realtor has informed you that they’re hosting an open house on the weekend. It’s normal to be both excited and intimidated by the various things you have to keep in mind for this decision. You needn’t look further! This article will tell you all you need to know when you go for your visit.
The best way to start house-hunting in that neighborhood is to look for a proficient realtor in Myrtle Beach. You want someone who will prioritize your needs in a new home and guide you through this process. They should be someone you can count on for answering any lingering questions you may have at the back of your head. Once you take care of that, you can begin your hunting.
Check for Space
Imagine walking in every day in your new home and looking in the living room to see your furniture clumped together. It doesn’t seem pleasing to the eye, does it? Go in prepared on your visit. Take a measuring tape to see if your furniture can fit in the living room with ease. Your furniture shouldn’t just fit in, but it should also look great there. Keep that in mind when you do your measurements. Empty space along with your furniture will make the room.
Do the same for the bedrooms. The dimensions should be to your likings. Know what you want and choose accordingly. Also, take a quick look at the closet. You will want to know if there is enough space for you to store what you need to. If you’re worried that the owners will mind you sifting through their closet, have a quick word beforehand.
Get Your Hands Dirty
It may feel awkward to walk into the bathroom and spend any more time than to sneak in a few glances. But you’re going to have to deal with that if you want a comprehensive understanding of the place.
Turn the faucets on and off to check the water pressure. Low pressure could be indicative of problems in the plumbing—problems you don’t want to be spending money and time fixing after you’ve made your purchase. Be wary for any knocking or delays in the showers.
Flush the toilets and check the drainage. This does seem strange, yes, but it is pivotal if you don’t want to encounter problems in your near future. Also, ask your realtor on the history of any renovations the owners may have made and the reasons for making them.
Look for What You Can’t See
It’s easy to be taken aback by a freshly painted house with clean-looking carpets. During that process, however, you might end up overlooking other shortcomings of the house. Do not make that mistake.
Keep an open eye for the structural part of the house. Look for any loose wires, possible signs of aging on the appliances, or any damages to the drywall. Is the piping underneath the kitchen sink in good condition? Is the garbage disposal functional? Also, look for any signs of mold or water stains on the walls or ceiling. Do a quick inspection of the floor under any of the carpets to spot any issues that might be present.
Observe any signs of uneven floors. Problems in the foundation are responsible for them, and this can add to the costs of settling in. You want your home to be the best value for your money. And you surely do not want to be bearing any additional costs after you’ve moved in.
The condition of the exterior is as important as the interior. Take a good look at the walls and the roof from each side of the house. Look for any damage to the walls or any missing tiles from the roof. Be sure to ask your realtor if the previous owners maintained or replaced the roof, and how old it is. The more you know, the better.
Know the Neighborhood
It’s safe to say that most of us don’t want to travel too far from the house for basic amenities. Check if there are good schools nearby, check the condition of the parks in the neighborhood and if the stores are adequately supplied.
Choosing a comfortable neighborhood is as important as the house itself. Be sure to know everything about the surroundings of the house. This also includes the neighbors. Take some time after your visit to walk over to the homes around and strike a conversation.
Some may not want to speak to you but that also gives you the chance to gauge how welcoming they may be. Pay close attention to those who do speak to you. Try and read how they answer your questions about the neighborhood. What they tell you doesn’t have to be true, but the way they speak about it can be telling.
Document Your Findings
Very often, we make a mental note of a bunch of things at one moment and forget it at the next. Don’t make that mistake. Buying a house is a big decision, and you want to remember all your thoughts on your potential new house.
Your mobile phone is enough. Use your notepad to make a quick note of the things you like about the house as soon as you think of them. Do the same for what you don’t like. You can then go over those notes after your visit to reevaluate if this could be your new home.
Even better is to take pictures of every room of the house, the exterior of it, and the yard if there is one. You can save yourself from an awkward conversation by asking for permission to take pictures before you do.
There’s a lot to consider when buying a new home but knowing what to look for makes this process easier. When looking for a new home in Myrtle Beach, be sure to start with contacting an experienced real estate agent and take it from there.
About the Author: –
Briggs Dickerson works as a broker-in-charge with Sands Realty Group, Inc. – a prominent REALTOR in Myrtle Beach who helps you find the best properties for sale in Conway, Myrtle Beach, Litchfield & other areas of South Carolina. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1998 with a finance and marketing degree. His work experience includes managing a Myrtle Beach landmark for the past 17 years, Peaches Corner. He also has had his General Brokerage license since 1999.