1. Check the Neighborhood at Different Times
What feels peaceful at noon could feel totally different at 9 p.m. Talk to neighbors, check noise levels, and pay attention to street parking.
2. Look Past the Staging
Beautiful décor can mask real issues. Focus on the bones of the house: layout, windows, closets, and light. Don’t get distracted by trendy furniture.
3. Inspect Water Pressure and Drainage
Turn on faucets and flush toilets. Slow drainage could indicate plumbing issues, and low water pressure might be more expensive to fix than you think.
4. Pay Attention to Smells
A strong scent of candles or air freshener might be covering up mold, pet odors, or other underlying problems.
5. Evaluate Storage Space Honestly
Open cabinets, closets, and the garage. Is there enough space for your real lifestyle—or just enough for show?
