When shopping for a new home, it’s easy to get caught up in what the home looks like and its special features. You can find yourself dazzled by the well-manicured backyard, trendy kitchen, or high ceilings and want to make an offer right then! But, slow down, take a step back and evaluate the less-exciting details, which are often overlooked but may lead to significant and costly issues later. Get beyond the WOWs and take a closer look at the following:
Windows: Do all of the windows open? Do they close and lock securely? Is the glass intact? Is there a tight thermal seal (which is important to regulate temperature)?
Flooring: Look for cracks, stains, holes, and warping. Ask if there’s another layer of flooring under carpet, tile, or laminate. Is the floor level? If not, it might be an indication of water, or worse, structural problems.
Basement: That beautifully finished basement could be hiding a ton of problems! Be sure to carefully examine corners and walls and look behind and under finishings for issues such as mold, leaks and critter infestations.
Roof: Roof replacements are costly. Find out when the roof was last installed, and if there has been any patch or a replacement. Look for signs of damage.
Neighborhood: Look beyond the obvious into the details: Is local traffic a nightmare in rush hour? Is there reliable transit nearby? Is the home near green space, schools, and recreational facilities? When you buy a home, you also buy the neighborhood!
Parking: If the house doesn’t have a garage, will the driveway accommodate your vehicles? Is there good on-street visitors’ parking? Are there any rules prohibiting parking on the street? Make sure to know where your cars are going to be kept and that there is enough room for them.
Even after you’ve checked the details, make your offer contingent on a home inspection. A reliable home inspector can dig deeper into the details. You may love the features of a home, but they won’t look so great if there other problems.
Angela Barrett, "A Different Kind of Real Estate"
Angela Barrett is a local REALTOR® in Lexington, SC. Every day, she has the privilege of working with Buyers and Sellers around and on Lake Murray - Lexington, Gilbert, Chapin, and Irmo. It is her goal to help every buyer find the perfect home, and every seller sell at the best price possible. Exit Real Estate Consultants opened its doors in 2008 and has been the local expert since. Angela says, "she works with a wonderful group at EXIT and is proud to be a REALTOR® for a company that prides itself on being a "family helping families."
What makes Angela different from other Realtors is her desire to combine a love of real estate with the truth. She may not always tell you what you want to hear but will ALWAYS tell you what you need to hear. Before getting into the real estate industry, she owned her own court reporting business for 14 years. She decided to change careers because it was her desire to help others with their housing needs in a way that was honest and truthful, a way that put their needs ahead of the sale. Her business is built on Dedication, Communication, Determination & Trust while embodying the ability to cater and adapt to all of her client's Real Estate needs. She says the best part of her business is the people she meets and the ability to assist them throughout the process. Her goal is not only finding the hidden gem or selling at the right price but giving her clients peace of mind that they will work together through every detail.
Angela showcases her homes on her website and utilizes professional service providers to assist with her clients' buying and selling needs, including tips for staging and recommendations for painters, designers, handymen, and inspectors. She is communicative, thorough, and detail-oriented, and she'll be with you every step of the way!
Angela made Lexington home 28 years ago. She is knowledgeable about the area and feels blessed to call Lexington her home. Angela enjoys showing her clients around “Miss Murray”, the Jewel of South Carolina, and when she’s not helping someone with their real estate needs, she enjoys going to the gym, running, spending time on Lake Murray, and a little photography.
Looking to buy or sell a home in the Lake Murray area? Call Angela Barrett, who not only represents “A Different Kind of Real Estate" but also a different kind of REALTOR®.
View all posts by Angela Barrett, Realtor ExitREC
