Online home listings on sites like Zillow or Redfin can be a great way to start the home search, but it’s easy to overlook important factors. Here’s what I recommend looking for when searching for a home online.
1. Check the Location Carefully
Look Beyond the Map: Listings often include a location map, but zoom out to understand the area. Check if the home is close to highways, busy roads, the airport, or industrial areas that might cause noise or traffic issues. Is the area walkable?
Explore the Neighborhood: Use Google Maps Street View to “walk” around the area. Look for nearby amenities and see if the neighborhood matches your lifestyle needs.
Research Online: check the walkscore, location, proximity to parks, geographic hazards, noise, Google Maps, etc. What neighborhood is the home in? Do some research on that particular neighborhood online.
2. Days on Market (DOM)
Why It Matters: A home that hasn’t sold for over a month or two can signal issues. It might be overpriced, have hidden problems, be occupied by a tenant, or be in a less desirable area.
What to Ask: If you’re interested in a long-listed home, let’s try to find out why it hasn’t sold. Sometimes, it’s just market timing, but other times, there may be significant factors to consider.
3. Price History and Property History
Price Fluctuations: Many listing sites show the price history. Frequent price drops can indicate the seller is struggling to find a buyer, which may mean room for negotiation but also could signal issues with the home.
Past Sales: Check if the home has been sold multiple times in recent years. A high turnover rate might suggest dissatisfaction among past owners.
4. Look at All Available Photos Critically
Photo Angles: Professional photos can be flattering, but they may hide certain flaws. Pay close attention to room dimensions, natural light, and signs of wear. No photos at all often means the home is in bad shape. Look at the layout and not the furnishings or staging.
Exterior and Lot Photos: Check if there are photos of the lot and yard. Absence of outdoor photos can sometimes mean a lack of yard space or poor landscaping.
5. Square Footage and Lot Size
Compare Size vs. Layout: Look at both the square footage and floor plan, if available. A well-designed layout can make a smaller home feel spacious, while a poorly planned larger home can feel cramped.
Yard and Privacy: Make sure the lot size and shape meet your privacy and outdoor space needs. If the lot size or shape isn’t clear, look it up on Portland Maps.
6. Neighborhood and School Ratings
Research Schools and Ratings: Schools affect property values and can be an important deciding factor for families. Even if you don’t have children, being in a desirable school district generally helps home value.
Look at Crime Rates: Websites like CrimeGrade or the local police website can provide crime statistics and help gauge neighborhood safety.
7. Check for Potential Red Flags in the Description
Common Phrases to Watch For: Words like “cozy” or “starter home” might signal a smaller space. “As-is” or “fixer-upper” can mean you’ll need to budget for repairs. Many fixers won’t qualify for financing, so if you are financing, check the fine print at the bottom to make sure it’s not cash only.
Description Gaps: If the description lacks details on key features (e.g., roof, HVAC, or plumbing), it’s wise to ask for more information or proceed with caution.
8. Consider Property Age and Updates
Home Age: Older homes can have charm but might also come with costly repairs. Check if the listing mentions updates or replacements for roofs, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical.
Renovation Red Flags: If only cosmetic upgrades are mentioned (like paint and flooring), the core systems might still be outdated.
9. HOA Fees and Rules (if applicable)
Why It Matters: HOA fees can significantly increase monthly expenses. Additionally, HOA rules might restrict what you can do with the property (like pet ownership, home exterior changes, or renting it out).
What to Check: Look for HOA details in the listing or ask for them. High fees or restrictive rules can impact the home’s suitability.
10. Check Property Taxes
What to Look For: Look at the property tax history on the listing, if available, and note any annual increases. Compare taxes on similar properties in the area and consider how taxes will impact your budget over time. Be aware that buying in a developing area may lead to rising taxes as new infrastructure is added.
Why It Matters: Property taxes vary widely by location and can add a significant amount to monthly costs, impacting affordability. High property taxes may affect resale potential, while low taxes could increase if the area is experiencing growth or improvements.
Conclusion
Take your time and look beyond the listing photos and descriptions. Online listings are a great way to start the search, but a careful approach helps ensure that the homes you like on-screen will fit your needs in real life.