When looking for the perfect home, people often focus on the home's interior. They look at the layout, the finishes, the appliances, and so forth. While these items are definitely important, you're doing yourself a disservice if you do not also spend time considering the exterior of the home. Here are some things to focus on when deciding whether a home's exterior is right for you.
The Condition of the Siding
Make sure you look closely at the siding. Peeling siding may have been letting water seep behind it, causing other structural damage. Old wood might behind under fresh paint, so look close. For brick and stone, look for cracks or sinking.
The Condition of Roofing
If there are any peeling shingles, or if the siding is lifting away anywhere, you'll want to have a knowledgeable inspector take a closer look. A few missing shingles are easy enough to replace with a local roof repair company, but often, this indicates that the roof is starting to fail, and a roof replacement is a major expense.
The Landscaping
The home does not necessarily need to have state-of-the-art landscaping, but if the grass is not generally tidy and the flower beds are not weeded, you have a lot of work ahead of you. On the other hand, a nicely manicured lawn will make your life easier in the coming years.
The Overall Curb Appeal
Does the house look “like you”? Remember, this is the first thing people will see when they pull up to your home. If there's one light you don't love, or a few flowers that aren't your favorite, that's one thing. But if you really dislike the siding color or can't stand the size of the windows, it's not worth forcing yourself to live with.
Outdoor Lighting
The first time you arrive home after dark, you'll be thankful for any outdoor lighting the home has. Be wary of buying a home without any outdoor lighting. This spells a lack of security, and it can be pretty expensive to install outdoor lights since your electrician will probably have to run new wires.
Proximity of Neighbors
Are the neighbors' houses close or a mile away? Everyone has their own preference — but you don't want to buy a house where the neighbors are really close if your top priority is privacy. Check out the property on Google Maps if the listing doesn’t show how far the closest neighbors live.
Fencing
Not everyone needs a fenced-in yard, but it is certainly helpful if you have children or pets. It’s also nice if the neighbors look like they have cluttered yards. Check to make sure any fencing on the property is secure, in good condition, and tall enough for your needs.
Talk to your realtor about other things to focus on when looking at a home's exterior.