Of course, if you’ve dismissed the home from the start, do only a minimal walk-through or don’t bother with the inspection at all. But if the property has potential and is something you like, open every door, look in every closet, and shine a light in every shadow. WHAT COMES WITH THE PROPERTY? Make sure you know exactly what, aside from the house itself, you’re paying for. Confirm what does or does not come with the home. For example, are the stands or fixtures for the exclusive use of that home, or will the owners be removing them on the way out? Are appliances such as refrigerator and washer/dryer included in the sale? Make sure to get confirmation in writing if you decide that you would like to buy the property — there’s nothing to sour moving into a new home like finding out you need to buy a host of pricey accoutrements to replace the ones you thought were included with the house. DON’T BE FOOLED BY STAGING Sellers use clever tricks to make a home more appealing. They can strategically light a room to draw attention away from a problem or apply fresh coats of paint to cover water damage or a mold issue. While you are viewing the house, look beyond the immediate aesthetics of the interior décor. Focus your attention on what you will get when the furniture and interior décor are stripped away. KEEP EMOTIONS AT BAY When viewing a home initially, try not to get attached immediately. Keep emotions out of considerations and only consider the potential property as a building you need to inspect and assess for others. Rapid emotional attachment may cloud your decision-making or allow you to overlook failings in the house you might see differently without an emotional lens. If you get attached from the get-go, you might make an emotional decision and overlook major problems. Without question, an emotional attachment will affect your ability to calmly and dispassionately negotiate.
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