For many people, the touring portion of a new home offer can be the most exciting part. You finally get to walk through everything and take it all in, checking out the interior and imagining how you might feel living in such a place. While it can be tempting to scrutinize every tiny aspect of the home in question, there are some valid reasons for letting things go at this stage. Here are just a few of the examples of small things that aren't worth looking at too closely during a home tour.
Dated Lighting Fixtures
It's interesting how something as simple as a light fixture can make an otherwise stylish home appear too old. If you don't like the appearance of the fixtures during your home tour, there's nothing to worry about. It's relatively inexpensive and easy to replace the most visible fixtures you don't like with something that looks good to you.
No Curb Appeal
The yard in front of the house is the first thing you're going to see when you pull in for a home tour. If this area of the house doesn't look impeccable, it can be tempting to have reservations about the interior of the place as well. However, curb appeal is often something you can achieve without spending a fortune. A good real estate agent who is familiar with the area can reassure you about how the neighborhood looks in general.
Discolored Carpeting
Even a well-kept carpet could show some signs of wear or discoloration over the years. If the carpet in the home you're touring looks dirty or worn out, don't stress about it too much. You don't have to stick with the flooring option that is currently in the home. If you like it well enough, you can even request that the seller shampoo it before closing the deal. Otherwise, you might ask them to or provide you with credit for a replacement.
An Aged House
Many buyers think that modern is the way to go, and they can be reluctant to take a look at any home that doesn't reflect that. Even if you aren't in the market for a vintage home, you should consider not writing off a home that is older than the one you expected to find. Many homes built in the past could have a higher risk of issues you need to fix later, but they could also have better building materials and cheaper price points. If you perform the right inspections, an older home could offer just what you need.
Buying a home is a big investment for almost anyone. It can take the majority of your savings in order to close a deal, and you want to make sure you're not putting all of that money into a pit that won't give you what you want. Although there is no reason to settle for something you don't want, make sure you go on a tour knowing that just about every home is going to have a few flaws.
