While most homebuyers check out the layout of the rooms and the name brands on the kitchen appliances when touring a house, educated buyers know what’s really important to look for when buying a home. 

Here’s what to REALLY look for when buying a house.

 Foundation & Structure. Overlooking a home's foundation and systems can lead to expensive problems in the future. Be sure to check the home's foundation, windows, roof, electrical, septic, and HVAC for any signs of damage.

 Water Damage. Water damage can be devastating to a home. Discolored rings on ceilings or surfaces and musty smells could all be indicators of water damage.

 Possible Renovations. Making minor cosmetic changes to a home (i.e. repainting) are usually inexpensive fixes. But, remodeling a bathroom or kitchen can cost on average $20,000 or more. Make sure you budget for any remodeling before making your offer.

 Potential Health Hazards. Mold, asbestos, and lead paint are just a few hazards that could be lurking in a home – especially older homes. Pay attention to smells and stains that could indicate one of these health hazards. If you are concerned about lead paint, an inexpensive test kit can be purchased at a hardware store.

 Insurance Claim History. Your Realtor® can help you find any insurance claims that have been made on a home within the past five years by requesting the seller provide a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange or C.L.U.E. report. Too many past claims from a property could affect your homeowner's insurance rate.

 The Neighborhood. There are many things you can do to change a home to fit your needs, but you can not change the location. Make sure the neighborhood fits your needs and lifestyle. Is it the right school district? How are the noise levels? What is the traffic like? Visit the neighborhood during different times of the week to get a better impression of living there.