The Front Porch - An Invitation to Enter, or a Warning to
Leave
The entry into a home should feel inviting, welcoming. Do you get these
feelings as you approach the front porch?
- Is the sidewalk broken or uneven?
- Are the stairs chipped, cracked or damaged?
- Are railings secure?
- How are the sellers taking care of the landscaping around the front porch in comparison to the sides
or around back of the house?
If it is pretty around the front porch but looks kind of rough around the sides and back that means that they were just trying to make you think that they are doing a good job of maintaining the property.
- When we get to the front door look and see if it is dirty and in need of paint,
are there dead plants in the flower pot next to the front door?
- Is
the porch dirty, messy or need of repair?
If they are really trying to sell their house and this is how they present
the entryway, the homeowners probably haven't been taking care of
this house very well.
As You Cross the Threshold, Take a Look At It
As we walk through the front door, take a look at it. Things to consider
about doors include:
- Look for any signs of wood rotting on the door's bottom edge and bottom of the door jam? Be sure to check both sides of the door.
- Look for any signs of water damage to the threshold. If so, keep this in mind when you look through the basement and can see the area under the front door.
Before we go inside, we'll take a quick look at the garage.
- Inspect the
ceiling and walls for any signs of water leaks or other damage (like a foot-shaped hole
from a homeowner that didn't know where to walk safely in the attic.)
- Is there
wood rot around the garage doors or the service doors?
Now it is time enter the home and take a look around.
