Insider info is extremely helpful when house hunting. Here are 7 Tips to help you choose your next home.

Look beyond the upgrades – It is easy to get pre-occupied by a home’s most charming details, for example an upgraded kitchen with top of the line appliances, and in the end overlook a few minor yet extremely important features (an unleveled floor or a foundation). So to save yourself a major headache after you purchase and make sure you hire a reliable home inspector to help you avoid costly repairs.

You can also inspect a possible future home by looking at these common problem areas:

• Cracks in walls larger than 1/8^th inch
• Doors and windows that stick to the frame
• Sloping or uneven floors
• Noticeable damage to the exterior

Make a comparison chart – When you are in the market, you will most likely see a handful of houses, which can make it difficult to keep track of certain attributes within each one. By making your own comparison chart/checklist ahead of time, you can bring the chart to each home viewing and take down notes during the walk through or shortly after.

During the creation of your chart/list, think beyond basic features and include your thoughts on: -The condition of the exterior structure

• Natural lighting
• Storage space
• Landscaping

*This chart/list is to be used as your own personal tool to help guide your decision; it is not to be used in place of a professional home inspection.

Walk through…… and then repeat – It is easy to get overwhelmed the first time you walk through home for the first time. So during the first walk-through, have fun, wonder around and think about your first impression. After you are done, go back and start at the beginning, re-enter the house and walk through again. This time take out your chart/list and carefully inspect the home as if you were home inspector and not a buyer.

Ask to take photos – Taking your own photos will really give you a full picture of what the house looks like. Before you take photos, make sure you ask your Real Estate Agent if you are allowed.

Lift up the rugs – If you are back for a second look at a house you are considering to become your home, it is important to know what is potentially hiding under the rugs. Rugs and furniture can be placed to conceal carpet stains or damaged floors. Make sure you inform your Real Estate Agent of your concerns, and they will be able to accommodate.

Look up and down – Make a point of focusing on things that are outside of your normal line of vision. Focus on the ceilings, floors, windows, under the sinks, and roof.

Visualize living in the House – Ask yourself, “How would I utilize this space?”. Even though the current homeowners use upstairs bedroom as a kid’s room, decked out in racecar wallpaper and light blue paint, doesn’t mean you can’t use it as a home office or movie room. Paint color and furniture can all be removed, so use your creativity and really envision your own style inside the home.

AskHomesale.com provides real estate advise and information for home buyers, home sellers, and homeowners alike. Askhomesale.com is part of the Homesale Realty Family. The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 25 offices with over 1,000 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty’s footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium.  Pennsylvania real estate offices include York,Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg,Gettysburg,Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

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