purchasing. An exception would be if you know pretty quickly that the home is definitely not the one for you (it doesn’t meet all your needs based on something you’ve noticed or the listing agent mentioned), then it’s fine to politely speed up the process or decline. Otherwise, take your time and plan ahead for that. Be thorough and proactive if you’re seriously considering its potential. Make sure it has everything that you need. Check every room, and go through closets, crawl spaces, drawers, cabinets, cupboards, etc. You want to be sure either way, and sellers aren’t legally obligated to point out every defect or imperfection.
LOOK OUT FOR STAGING
Remember when we talked about home staging as an effective way to market your home as a seller? Now you have to put yourself in a buyer’s shoes. Don’t let the aesthetic effects distract you. Some sellers use staging strategically to hide something. Examples include: • a fresh coat of paint to hide water damage or mold • a brand-new beautiful rug hiding stains or damaged flooring • strategic lighting to distract from a problem area
EXAMINE THE HOME'S CONDITION
When you’re checking out potential homes, don’t forget to examine their condition. Your real estate agent will be there to guide you through this, but here’s a short list to get you started: • Is the home structurally sound? (some things to look for include roof damage, water damage, floor weakness, cracked walls) • Evidence of mold — look for it, but smell for it, too (this is a big and costly problem) 114
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