Your Open House Checklist simplified
It is so easy to walk into a beautiful home and immediately start mentally placing your furniture. We all do it! You see the waterfall island, those perfect wide-plank floors, and that "just right" shade of sage green on the walls... and you’re hooked. 🏠✨
But my job is to make sure you love your home just as much six months after closing as you do the day you get the keys.
While everyone else is looking at the backsplash, I want you to keep an eye on these 9 "un-glamorous" things that could save you thousands down the road:
1️⃣ The Water Heater: Look for the birth date! If it’s hitting double digits, keep $1,500–$3,000 in your "just in case" fund.
2️⃣ The Electrical Panel: Check the brand and age. Some older panels aren’t just outdated—they can be a headache for your insurance company.
3️⃣ Ceiling Stains: Those little brown rings tell a story. We always want to find out if that story has a happy ending (a permanent repair) or if it’s an ongoing saga.
4️⃣ HVAC System: Take a peek at the outside unit. Replacing these can run $8,000–$15,000, so we want to know exactly how much life it has left.
5️⃣ Windows: If they look foggy, the seal is likely broken. It’s a small detail that gets expensive fast when you’re replacing multiple panes.
6️⃣ Foundation: Hairline cracks happen, but we’re looking for "stair-step" patterns. Those are the ones that deserve a professional's second opinion.
7️⃣ Sewer Lines: Especially in our beautiful older neighborhoods! A quick sewer scope now can save you from a very messy (and pricey) surprise later.
8️⃣ Water Pressure: Don’t be shy! Turn on the shower and flush the toilet. You want a spa-like soak, not a drizzle.
9️⃣ Grading & Drainage: Take a walk outside. We want the ground to slope away from your home, not invite the rain in for a visit.
The Bottom Line: I want you to have the gorgeous kitchen and the peace of mind that comes with a solid house. Don’t just fall in love with the "pretty"—make sure the "bones" are just as beautiful.
