Viewing an open home

• At an open home or viewing, have a good look around to check for problems and to make sure it meets your needs.

• It’s important to identify problems and potential issues with a property before you are too far into the buying process.
• Get to know the neighbourhood, what the neighbouring properties are like, the facilities that are close by and the public transport options.
• If you like what you see at an open home, you can start to research the property in more detail.
• Get professional advice before you make an offer.

Have a good look around. Open cupboards and turn on taps to check if the property meets your needs.

• Does the property tick the boxes for what you’re looking for, for example, sun, bedrooms, bathrooms, views and outdoor living?
• How much storage is there? Can more be easily added?
• Is there enough water pressure?  Turn on the shower and taps and flush the toilet.
• What kind of exterior cladding does the house have? Is it well maintained? Check for cracks in plaster cladding.
• Check that everything works - for example, open windows and turn on taps and light switches.
• Note any smells that could indicate dampness or a previous flood.
• Will your furniture fit?
• Is there a garage on the property? How big is it? Can you use it for a car or storage?
• Check the physical condition of the house inside and out. Do the floorboards move or does the floor slope? It’s useful to take a marble and place it on the floor. If the marble rolls, it could indicate issues with the foundations.
• If the property has retaining walls, check for sagging or cracks. Repairing retaining walls can be expensive.
• If you want to take photos at an open home you will need to check with the agent first.
  
  Download Settled.co.nz's open home checklist

It’s a good idea to know about the neighbourhood when you’re thinking about buying a property.

• Is the area improving in value? Is there anything that may affect it in future? Don't limit yourself to looking in one area.

• Take time to walk or drive around the neighbourhood. Are there shops and services like banks nearby?

• What are the public transport options?
• What is the traffic like? Is the property on a main road that could get busy at peak times or be dangerous for children and pets? Is there parking on the street for visitors?
• What is the school zoning?