Open houses are a great opportunity to preview a home – go one step further than the online photos and take a tour of a house you are interested in. This can be a causal first look to get a feel for the house, but here are a few things we would suggest you pay attention to!

Look Past the First Impression

Curb appeal is going to be the first thing you notice – and while a blooming garden or an attractive door colour can draw your eye, also look at the less exciting things. Does the roof look to be in good condition? Are the gutters clean? What is the state of the front steps / entryway?

Also note the smell when first walking in – is it musty or overly scented?

Signs of Maintenance

Watch for signs of upgrades throughout the house – or lack thereof. Is the paint peeling or chipped? Are there water stains? Are there any cracks in the ceilings or walls? Is the carpet / flooring worn out? While these things do not necessarily signal a red flag, they are things to keep an eye out for.

Heating & Cooling

Not only will you want to be comfortable in the house, but energy efficiency affects the cost of maintaining the home too. Take a look at windows and doors for age and check for any gaps. For heating and cooling, see if you can spot vents / baseboards / radiators in each room and take note of where the controls are located.

Basement & Storage

Whether it is finished or unfinished, the basement is an important place to look during an open house. See if you can spot or smell any moisture – is there a dehumidifier? Sump pump? Many older (especially stone) homes in Kingston deal with moisture and a bit of sweating in the basement, but you want to make sure it is being dealt with properly. Also take note of the amount of storage space and if it is easily accessible.

Bathrooms & Kitchens

These rooms can have the biggest ‘wow factor’ but they are also usually the most expensive to update. Check for any signs of leaks under sinks, around toilets, base of a shower or bathtub. Look for proper ventilation in these rooms as well.

Ask Questions

See if there is a feature sheet at the open house – take it and make notes! The listing agent or realtor hosting the open house should have additional information on the house, so ask if there have been any updates or renovations that they know of, or questions about the neighbourhood. Or write down some questions and follow up with the realtor you are currently working with.

If you are excited and interest about a house after the open house, reach out to your realtor for next steps. You can schedule a private showing, discuss sales in the area and comparable properties, and learn about next steps towards offering on the home.