11 things most people forget to check when viewing a home for sale

You’re on the hunt for your next home. You know what you’re looking for – a large kitchen, a modern bathroom and a two-car garage. But are there things you may be overlooking?

Here are 11 things people often forget to check for when looking for a home to buy.

The usual focal point for home hunters viewing a listing is the house itself. Location is often at the forefront too. Outbuildings for tool and utility storage don’t often get much consideration, but they should. Even if the house you’re looking at comes with a garage, a separate storage shed will be a huge help. Lawn mowers, snow removal equipment, and woodworking and gardening tools all need to be stored somewhere dry and safe, and that’s where properties with sheds have a big advantage.

Learn from the 36 biggest regrets of first-time home buyers. 

If the home that’s for sale is in a neighbourhood you don’t know well, it’s worth a few trips to the neighbourhood during different times of the day. Check out the neighbourhood at night – is it a place where you’d feel safe once the sun goes down? Is the home in a university neighbourhood where late-night parties may keep you up at night?

If you rely on a mobile phone for just about everything, check to see if you can get a signal inside the home for sale. If you can’t get phone service, will this be a problem for you?

What will your commute be like to and from work? Test your commute from the house that’s for sale. See what rush hour is like in the morning and in the evening.

Noise can be an issue for many home buyers. Is there plane or train traffic noise? Is the home near a freeway? If you’re a light sleeper, noise can be major problem.

Is the home that’s for sale in a community where you’ll have to pay homeowner association dues? Will you be able to paint your front door your favourite colour? If the home is in an association, find out what the dues are and read through the bylaws.

Ask about the neighbours and try to meet them, if possible. Neighbours can make or break how you feel about your home. Meeting your neighbours can really help you gain insight into what the neighbourhood is like.

Here are 16 things your neighbour secretly knows about you. 

Even if you plan on staying in the home for several years, consider the resale value. Does the home back up to a busy street? Are there several apartment buildings on the street? Is the neighbourhood undergoing a revitalization or is it struggling? Consider things that may scare off potential future buyers.

Look out for these 13 silent signs your home is an unhealthy place to live. 

Imagine moving into your new home only to find the water pressure is severely lacking. Make sure to test the taps, including the shower and give the toilet a flush.

Find out 40+ things most homeowners aren’t doing but need to.