Buying a house can be fun, but it’s important not to get too swept up in the excitement. After all, you’re making a major investment, and you’ll want to be sure that your new home is a good fit for your lifestyle and needs.

In this blog, I’m sharing my best advice on what to look for when buying a house so you can make an informed and confident purchase. Let’s get started.

Ready to explore for-sale homes in Calgary? Browse my featured listings. 

How To Prepare For Home Showings

House hunting can be an enjoyable experience, but it can also be complex and competitive. Once you find your dream home, you may need to act quickly if you want to make an offer. As a buyer, you’ll want to take every opportunity you can to feel prepared and informed before you head to the market – this includes understanding and being ready for home showings.

When you see potential homes in person, you’ll ideally have an experienced real estate agent at your side who can point out important information and details that you need to know. However, you’ll also want to be armed with your own questions and insights to help you uncover as much as you can about the property in a short period of time.

Looking to buy a house in Calgary? Explore these related resources from our site!

What To Look For When Viewing A House: Overlooked Details

When touring a potential home in person, there are a lot of key details you’ll want to look out for. You’ll want to verify major elements like how many bedrooms and bathrooms there are, but there are smaller items to look out for too.

Here are a few often overlooked details to consider when touring a home in person.

How’s The Curb Appeal?

Before you even step foot in the house, take a moment to assess its curb appeal. Does the exterior look well-maintained? Are there any visible cracks or water damage in the foundation? What is the overall condition of the roof? Analyzing the exterior of the house can not only help you spot any issues, but it will also give you an idea of how well the current owners take care of the property.

Does The House Feel Open And Bright?

As you walk through the home, pay attention to the flow and layout of each floor. Does it feel open and welcoming or cluttered and closed off? If you’re viewing the house during the daytime, take note of how much natural light is in each room. A bright space not only feels warmer, but it can also mean lower energy bills in the long term.

How Much Storage Is There?

When it comes to owning a house, you really can’t have too much storage, especially if you have kids (or are planning to). Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check out a home’s storage when you’re at a showing. Inspect closets, cabinets, crawlspaces, and any other potential storage spaces such as the attic, basement, garage, or shed.

Questions To Ask When Buying A House

When it comes to buying a house, the more information you have about the property, the better. Along with what to look out for when viewing a house, you’ll also want to ask specific questions about the home, its overall condition, and history.

When Was The House Built?

First, you’ll want to know when the house was built. This will give you insight into the condition of the property and what you may expect in terms of wear, outdated systems, or any issues that could arise in the future.

Have There Been Any Changes Or Renovations?

On top of knowing how old the home is, you should also find out if the existing (or previous) owners made any significant changes or renovations. You’ll want to know what’s been updated, when, and what the owners’ reasons were for making the changes.

For example, if a house’s entire roof has been replaced, it could mean the property has faced a lot of severe weather. Even though the roof is replaced, there could be unresolved damage in other areas.

How Long Have the Current Owners Lived There?

It’s also helpful to know how long the current owners have lived in the home and why they’re moving. Let’s say they just bought the place two years ago and already want to sell it – that could be a red flag.

Searching for more advice on buying? Check out these other blog posts. 

What Are The Average Utility Costs?

As a homeowner, utilities will be a big part of your expenses. With that in mind, it doesn’t hurt to ask what the average utility costs are (electricity, heat, water, etc.) for the property. This will give you a more complete picture of what your total housing costs could be if you bought the home.

How Much Are The Property Taxes?

On the same note, you should also inquire about the home’s property tax rate. This will help you build out your budget even further, ensuring that you’re not making a major financial commitment you can’t afford.

Buying A House In Calgary?

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Calgary, you’ll want to work with an experienced team of professionals, like us – Dolce Real Estate. Whatever you and your family may be looking for, we can help you find a great home in a neighbourhood you’ll love. Not to mention, our unmatched local expertise and time-tested buying systems make navigating the market a breeze.

Ready to find your dream home? We can help! Call 403-999-5882 or send us an email at info@dolcerealestate.ca.

Meet with Us

Planning your next Calgary home purchase or sale? Book a consultation with us today and see the Dolce Difference.

Book a Call