Open Houses: What to Ignore and What to Look Out For

Attending open houses is a great way to see a property. However, it's important to be capable of determining what is a serious issue with a home and what can be ignored. This will help ensure you wind up with the house that's right for you and your family.

Ignore the Paint Job

Sure, a mustard yellow in the living room or bright green in the master bathroom might not be your taste, but it's important not to allow these to cloud your opinion of the house. It's important to remember you can quickly, affordably and easily repaint any room in a home, noted Trulia.

The same goes for any bizarre wallpaper that might be overpowering different rooms in the house.

Consider the Curb Appeal

Everyone wants to pull up to their home and feel proud of what they see. In some instances, the curb appeal is not there.

Some issues, such as the front door or landscaping, are simple to fix. Don't let minor details get in the way of you falling in love with a home. However, Central Properties indicated there are other outdoor issues that you may want to be a bit more wary about. For example, siding that is in poor condition or a roof that needs to be replaced can wind up really racking up an unwanted fix-it bill. Be on the lookout for more substantial outdoor issues.

Return of the Shag Carpet

Hate the flooring? Try to imagine the oak paneling you've been dreaming of or the perfect tile pattern you've wanted for years instead. Replacing flooring is relatively simple and being able to customize the floors to exactly your preference might be a welcome treat.

Ignore the Furniture

If there is one thing that should never dictate your decision regarding the purpose of a house, it's the furniture. While an ugly sofa or cluttered kitchen can wind up leaving a bad taste in your mouth, it's important that you try to imagine the home without those features. You aren't investing in the seller's personal interior design tastes, after all.

Odd Smells

Sometimes a weird smell can be fixed with a little elbow grease and a cleaner homeowner. However, if it smells like mold or mildew, that may be an indicator that more expensive issues are hiding in the home.

Don't Forget the Home Inspection

An open house is a great opportunity to explore a potential new home. While it can give you a great deal of insight, it's important to always have a home inspection completed. Make sure you hire a professional you trust and feel will complete the job to the best of his or her abilities to help you make the best decision.

A professional can discover issues you wouldn't have known about by touring the house. In addition, a home inspection will provide you with peace of mind when you finally decide to make an offer on a house.