Looking at homes for sale in Gulfport, MS and getting to see what each property has to offer is one of the more exciting parts of the home buying process. Here you are, one step closer to your real estate goal! That said, it’s easy to be swayed by what you are currently seeing. And as the old saying goes, appearances can indeed by deceiving.
A skeptic or discerning eye is important to have when touring homes in-person or virtually. It helps you determine which properties are worth all the effort in Gulfport MS real estate. And so, here are six things to keep an eye out for during the initial walkthrough. (Note that these are points that can be applied whether you’re on a virtual tour or otherwise).
- Is the roof in good condition?
The roof is any home’s first line to defense against the elements. If it’s not in good condition, the entire household will be exposed to a variety of issues, from leaks to mold. See if you can spot any missing shingles or tiles, as well as stains or moss, from your vantage point. Ask questions as well. It pays to know when the roof was last maintained, or if any repairs were done in the recent years.
- Have any repairs been done to the property?
Roof maintenance aside, knowledge of any repairs done in the property always helps. It informs you of the age and condition of certain aspects of the home. It also gives you an idea of possible issues you might encounter in the future. There wouldn’t be much to worry about, however, if all repairs were done properly.
Asking about replacements, upgrades, or renovations will also benefit you. It will allow you and your real estate agent to determine if all that work justifies the listing price.
- What does the house smell like?
Lingering smells on the property can indicate things that are lurking just beneath the surface. Sometimes, they imply simple things such as the current homeowner owning pets. But there are other smells that can be interpreted as a sign of something more sinister. For instance, certain odors indicate the presence or even build-up of mold or mildew in the home which are caused by other underlying factors that need to be looked at.
If you’re touring a home virtually, you’ll have to rely on the nose of your real estate agent. If they didn’t pick up anything, you’ll know for sure after the home inspection.
- How does the home look from the outside?
Does the presence of the house in real life betray its listing pictures, or are things depicted as accurately as possible? Taking a good look at the exterior of the home also gives you a chance to spot things such as cracks on the wall, the landscaping, if the ground near the base seems soggy— basically, the general condition of the property’s exterior.
It’s common practice for home sellers to make simple improvements to boost their property’s curb appeal. Find out if they’re merely cosmetic or they’ve made changes that do enhance the appearance as well as increase the home’s value.
- What are the room measurements?
Rooms sometimes appear much bigger or smaller in pictures or on video than in real life. To get an accurate measure of just how big a room is, don’t just rely on the total square footage of the home. Ask for the complete room measurements. Should you proceed to make an offer and finalize the purchase, this information will help you find the right size of furniture and appliances for your new home.
This is an especially important question to ask if you’re on a virtual home tour. Videos and images can distort the appearance of a room. Having the specific measurements on hand will help you understand each area better.
- Are there any special features to the home?
Some properties have unique selling points. It could be water frontage or outdoor space. Others feature intricate handiwork by skilled local artisans. Provenance or the history of ownership can also be a selling point, especially if the home was previously owned or occupied by a well-known individual or family.
Sometimes, there are no special features or amenities. But ask about the home anyway. You might find that the property is the seller’s first home or that they are quite attached to it and want to see it go to a great buyer. You can use this information to make a good offer.
Do you need help in finding the right home in Gulfport MS real estate? Owen & Co. Real Estate can help. Contact the top real estate agents in Gulfport MS today at info(at)owenandco(dotted)com or through this page to get started.
