Real estate agents often come across prospective property buyers checking strange things when they look at a home on the market.
Key takeaways
- Open homes are your chance to assess livability, layout and red flags before committing.
- Focus on what you can realistically check yourself — not structural issues.
- Photos and notes help compare multiple properties later.
- Open homes should guide whether to proceed to a building & pest inspection, not replace one.
- Adding a few extra checks can help avoid obvious deal-breakers early.
Many people will check their mobile reception in each room of the house, shower water pressure, even noting the Feng Shui of each room.
One of the strangest things is when a home buyer starts doing things like tapping on the walls when they don’t really know what they’re listening for.
Tim Hutton, Reine & Horne Manly Director says “I always scratch my head because people are going to get a building and pest inspection anyway.”
Though this is at least better than the people he sometimes catches buyers rifling through the current owner’s clothes.
Mr Hutton is right though, if you’re going to get a building and pest inspection done by a local expert, you should be focusing on the areas you can assess yourself.
For a better idea of whether you want to purchase a property, follow these steps below, recommended by Rich Harvey, managing director of buyer’s agency Property Buyer.
List the Features You Want
Whether you want a family home or an investment property, wonderful views, large bathroom, pool, or any other features, make sure you write the important ones down so you don’t forget during your inspection.
Take a Notebook
Make sure you can take notes. Sketch out the floorplan and jot down your thoughts as you go, including problems. If you’re looking at multiple properties it can be easy to start melding homes together in your mind.
Consider Who Comes With You
If it’s not the person you’re buying the home with you, make sure you bring someone who will help you make a decision, or at the very least not get in your way. If someone is going to impose their view on you regardless of what you want, it’s best to leave them behind.
Look for Key Attributes
Check the lighting, open plan living, wear and tear, age of the bathrooms and kitchen and that all the appliances are working.
Take Photos
The real estate agent’s photos are designed to make a property look its best. Don’t be afraid to pull out your phone and take photos of what the place really looks like.
Additional Things to Check at an Open Home
While the six steps above help you stay organised and objective, there are a few extra practical checks that buyers often overlook during open homes. These won’t replace a professional inspection, but they can help you quickly identify whether a property is worth taking further.
Check the Neighbourhood Environment
Step outside and observe the surrounding area. Pay attention to noise levels, traffic flow, nearby construction, and neighbouring properties. What feels fine during a short inspection may feel very different day-to-day.
Assess Storage and Practical Space
Look beyond styling and consider real storage needs. Check wardrobes, cupboards, garage space and laundry areas. A lack of storage can become a daily frustration, especially for families.
Look for Signs of Moisture or Ventilation Issues
While inspectors assess moisture professionally, buyers can still look for surface clues such as musty smells, condensation on windows, peeling paint, or visible mould in bathrooms and laundries.
Check Windows, Doors and Natural Airflow
Open and close windows and doors where possible. Poor airflow, stiff frames or excessive noise penetration may indicate comfort or maintenance issues later on.
Think About Future Maintenance
Ask yourself how much ongoing upkeep the property may require. Large gardens, ageing fixtures, older roofing or external timber features can all add to long-term maintenance costs.
Ask the Right Questions
Use the open home to ask the agent about the age of key elements such as the roof, hot water system, renovations, and whether a building and pest inspection has already been completed.
Understand & Use Professionals
Unless you know what you’re listening for, leave the tapping on the walls to us. Building and pest inspectors are there to check the condition of the building, degradation and potential pest activity. However, if there seems to be an issue with the wiring, it’s best to get an electrician to look into it too.
If you’ve found a property you’re considering buying, talk to us about a comprehensive building and pest inspection. Call on 02 9918 0740 or book online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I focus on during an open home?
Focus on layout, liveability, storage, lighting, and obvious surface issues. Structural and pest concerns should be assessed later by professionals.
Can an open home replace a building inspection?
No. An open home helps you decide whether to proceed, but only a building and pest inspection can properly assess defects and risks.
Should I take photos at an open home?
Yes. Photos help you remember details and compare properties later, especially when viewing multiple homes.
What are common red flags buyers miss at open homes?
Poor ventilation, signs of moisture, lack of storage, excessive noise, and maintenance-heavy features are often overlooked.
When should I organise a building and pest inspection?
Once you’re serious about a property and before contracts are finalised, a building and pest inspection should be arranged.
