Buying a new home can be a whirlwind process in the right market. You may not have time to view the home multiple times with trusted friends to help you make a wise decision. You might need to put in a bid the day of the open house or shortly after a private tour. That means you'll need to take note of the most important factors when touring the house and not be influenced by the current owner's decorating style. Here are some things to observe when you're on a house tour.

The Age Of The Appliances And Countertops

While upgrading a kitchen won't necessarily break the bank, buying a new refrigerator, range, and modern countertops could easily take a few thousand dollars out of your pocket. If you're not happy with the appliances and dated countertops, consider if you can live with them for a while or if they need to be replaced as soon as you move in. The same consideration should be given to other appliances in the home, such as the hot water heater, washer, dryer, and dishwasher.

The Condition Of The Major Systems

It's very important to know the age and condition of the roof, HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical systems in the home. Replacing any of these could run into the thousands of dollars. If the price of the house is right, then you may not mind having to make upgrades to the home as long as you know about it upfront. However, if you want a home that is move-in ready that you won't have to upgrade for several years, then you'll want to avoid a home with an old roof or an HVAC system that's near the end of its life.

The home will be inspected before you buy it, and that offers some protection for you, but be sure to listen for unusual noises from the HVAC and plumbing when you tour the house. The electrical system is something you want to pay particularly close attention to. Notice how many outlets are available, especially in the kitchen. Notice if they are grounded and if they have GFCI protection.

The Number Of Bedrooms And Layout

You can narrow down your search initially by eliminating homes that don't have the right number of bedrooms and bathrooms. However, even if the home has the right number, you want to ensure the rooms are large enough for your needs and that they are positioned the way you like in the home. Changing the arrangement of the rooms or knocking out walls is a big undertaking that adds a lot of expense to the price of a home. Ideally, you'll find a home that's already built in a way that you find acceptable.

Some things are much less important when you look at a home. You may hate the paint colors inside or outside, but those can easily be changed. You may love the décor and window treatments, but those will be gone before you move in. When you're touring a home with your buyer's agent, be sure to ask for professional opinions on the condition of the home and it's location so you can better judge if it's the perfect home for you.

Contact a company like Sullivan Hill Country Properties for help with buying a home.