What to Look for at an Open Home (That Most People Miss)

 

🏡 What to Look for at an Open Home (That Most People Miss)

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of open homes—especially when you're on the hunt for the one. You walk in, the place smells like fresh baking, the cushions are fluffed just right, and there’s a soft soundtrack playing in the background. It’s all very welcoming… but it’s also designed to make you fall in love quickly.

While staging creates a lovely vibe, it can also distract you from noticing the things that truly matter.

Here’s a list of often-overlooked checks to help you get the most from each open home visit:

🔌 1. Test the Water Pressure (and Temperature)

Yes, really! Turn on taps, flush the toilet, and run the shower for a moment. Weak water pressure or fluctuating hot water can be a sign of plumbing issues or an outdated system. These are things you’ll live with daily—so it’s worth checking early.

📶 2. Check Your Phone Signal

It’s easy to overlook, but imagine moving in only to realise you can’t get reception in half the house. Quickly check your phone in a few key rooms. If you're reliant on mobile data or work from home, this matters more than you might think.

🧭 3. Notice the Natural Light & Orientation

Even on a cloudy day, you should get a feel for which rooms are naturally bright. Bring a compass (or use your phone app) and check which way the home faces. North-facing rooms usually enjoy the best light. Ask yourself: is the living room bright? Will the bedrooms feel cosy or dark in winter?

👃 4. Use Your Nose

It might sound odd, but your sense of smell can tell you a lot about a home. Musty smells might point to moisture issues or poor ventilation. Overpowering candles or diffusers could be trying to hide something. Trust your nose—it’s smarter than it gets credit for!

👀 5. Look Inside Cupboards and Wardrobes

You're not being nosy—this is due diligence. Open wardrobes, linen cupboards, kitchen cabinets. You’re checking for storage, but also signs of dampness, mould, pests, or any rough DIY jobs that might be lurking behind closed doors.

🪟 6. Check Window Frames and Corners

These are prime spots for spotting signs of moisture or poor insulation. Are the window frames swollen or flaking? Any black mould or mildew in corners? These can be early signs of condensation issues that may cost more to fix later on.

🌳 7. Walk the Boundary and Look at Neighbours

Take a few minutes to step outside. Check the fencing, look at drainage or any signs of water runoff. Are the neighbouring properties tidy? How close are the houses? Is there a shared driveway or right of way? The setting of the home is just as important as the home itself.

🚗 8. Try the Driveway

It might sound silly, but give it a go. Is the driveway steep? Tight to turn into? Hard to reverse out of? If you’re coming home in the dark, tired from work, how will that drive feel every day?

🛑 Final Tip: Don’t Rush

It’s tempting to follow the flow of other people and rush through an open home in under 10 minutes—but this is a big decision. Take your time. Walk through twice if you need to. Take notes or photos (with permission), and if possible, come back at a different time of day.

Need Help Navigating the Process?

If you’re actively looking, I’d love to help. Let’s chat about what you’re after—I can let you know about homes coming to market that might suit, and guide you through the process with less stress and more clarity.

Already own a home? We can start with a free, no-obligation appraisal to give you a clearer picture of your next steps.

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