The Prettiest Update Isn't Always the Most Important One

It’s easy to understand why buyers are drawn to a beautiful kitchen.

Quartz or marble countertops, new cabinetry, updated lighting and beautiful flooring can make an immediate impression. The same is true of a freshly remodeled bathroom or stylish new finishes throughout a home.

Those things matter. They make a home enjoyable, and they can certainly influence a buyer’s decision.

But they don’t tell the whole story.

Look Beyond What You Notice First

When I walk through a home with a buyer, I’m interested in the attractive updates—but I’m also thinking about the things that aren’t nearly as exciting to photograph.

How old is the roof?

How old are the air-conditioning and heating systems?

Has the plumbing been updated?

Are there signs of drainage or foundation concerns?

What do we know about the electrical system?

Have the owners kept good records of repairs and improvements?

These questions may not be as much fun as admiring a gorgeous kitchen, but they can be very important when evaluating a home.

Updated and Well-Maintained Aren’t Always the Same Thing

A home can have a beautifully remodeled interior while some of its major components are approaching the end of their useful lives.

The opposite can also be true.

Another home may have an older kitchen or bathrooms that aren't particularly fashionable, but the owners may have consistently maintained the property, replaced major systems when needed and taken care of problems as they arose.

That’s why I think buyers should look at both updates and maintenance.

A dated countertop is easy to see. Years of conscientious home maintenance are not always as obvious.

Ask About the History of the Home

One of the most useful things a buyer can learn is what has been done to the property and when.

A list of improvements and repairs can help tell the story of a home. So can seller disclosures, receipts, warranties, permits when applicable, and information obtained during inspections and the buyer's own due diligence.

The goal isn’t to find a house where nothing will ever need attention. Every home requires maintenance.

The goal is to understand as much as possible about the home you're considering—not just how it looks on the day you walk through the front door.

Pretty Gets Our Attention. Condition Deserves Our Attention, Too.

There’s nothing wrong with falling in love with a beautiful kitchen. I do it, too.

Just remember to look beyond it.

Sometimes the least glamorous information about a house can be among the most valuable things to know before making it your home.

Paula D’Amico Auger
Broker/Owner, D’Amico Properties
Houston Roots. Personal Attention.