How To Compare Houses

Shopping for a home can be exciting, but also daunting, since there are so many things to consider. You can break things down into a few categories, to make the process easier, however. You'll want to look at the features and quality of the homes, research information about their location, and analyze the financial aspects. By considering the asking prices in the light of all these relevant factors, you’ll have an easier time comparing one home to another.

1

Assess the houses’ general construction and condition. Everyone wants a house to look nice, but the materials and quality of the construction are even more important. For instance, brick construction may be fire resistant, but expensive compared to wood frame construction. Likewise, older homes may have more interesting layouts, but may have outdated wiring or plumbing. Make sure to compare things like:^[1]

• The age of each house
• Whether it is brick, wood frame, or something else
• The condition of its foundation, wiring, and plumbing
• Whether or not hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint or pipes are present.

2

Examine each house’s floor plan.Look for a house you can actually live in! This means more than just the size (square footage) of the home. You will also want to consider whether the floor plan is practical. For instance, if you have an elderly person living with you, will they have to climb a lot of stairs? If you have children, will their rooms be in a location where you can easily keep an eye on them? Is there space for a home office if you need one?

• Don’t forget to take into account how many stories the home has, and whether it has an attic or basement.
• Also consider things like the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets.

3

Check the condition of the interior.Are the walls clean and clear of cracks? Do you see evidence of dampness, leaks, or visible mold? The presence of any of these issues may indicate problems that make a house more trouble than it’s worth.

4

Compare each house’s amenities. Most homes will come equipped with at least basic fixtures, and some may have extensive features. As you compare houses, consider not only the type of amenities available, but also their age and quality. Look for any that are relevant to you, like:^[2]

• The type of heat (gas, electric, coal, etc.)
• Central air conditioning
• A water heater
• A fireplace
• Included appliances (refrigerator, stove, etc.)
• A sump pump

5

Inspect the exterior of each house. You may want to see exterior finishes like a porch or patio, and you will also pay attention to the “curb appeal” of the home. However, there’s more to a house’s exterior than the color of its paint. Check:^[3]

• The condition of the roof
• Whether gutters and downspouts are installed
• The type of windows
• The exterior covering, if applicable (e.g., wood or vinyl siding)

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