The One Thing You Always Have To Check When Touring A Home

From scoping out new neighborhoods to deciding what features are make-or-break, the home-buying process can be extremely exciting. Once you've found your new dream home and figured out what you need to know about getting a mortgage, it's easy to spend most of your time mentally moving in your furniture or planning the parties you'll host out in the backyard. But according to Joy Aumann, the co-founder of Luxury SoCal Realty, the appliances are one thing you always have to check when touring a home. "Home sales typically include stoves and ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, and refrigerators as per the kitchen appliances," Aumann told House Digest during her exclusive interview. "Water heater [and] HVAC systems are also common for the home to function, and if a garbage disposal is installed, it typically stays." The real estate expert emphasized that all appliances in a potential home should be inspected to avoid any costly surprises after closing.

"You will want to check these appliances are fully functional despite looking good," Aumann mentioned. "That doesn't mean you'll run all cycles of the washing machine prior to making an offer on the house. Instead, actively inquire about the appliances and check all buttons work."  She also recommended listening for any squeaky sounds or signs of deterioration. When it comes to appliances, Aumann also says you'll want to check the listing or with the agent to see if they're staged or included in the sale price.

The entire home buying process can be extremely complex, and if you're in the market, there's no doubt you have a lot on your mind. After figuring out how much of a down payment you can afford, and whether you want to work with a buyer's agent or go house hunting on your own, it can seem like an exhausting task to check out every appliance at every house you visit. But according to Joy Aumann, it's one of the most important things you should do in any home that's a serious contender.

"It can be very expensive to replace a furnace or an AC unit," Aumann exclusively told House Digest. "Thus, inquire about the age and maintenance history (and routines)." The real estate expert says to keep the weather in mind as you're taking your tour. "If visiting the place during a hot or cold month, ask how long the unit has been on to keep the room at the welcoming temperature," she noted. Aumann also suggests asking for the temperature to be set higher or lower during your viewing to understand the system's efficiency. When it comes to water heaters and washers and dryers, the real estate expert says to keep an eye out for rust and leaks. When it comes to the kitchen, you'll have to do a little more work, especially inspecting the refrigerator. "Take a look at the temperature set inside," Aumann said. "Additionally, ensure the seals are properly adhered to the door." She also advised running your hand along the refrigerator door to see if cool air leaks out and testing all burners and knobs on the stove and oven.

During House Digest's exclusive interview with Joy Aumann, we asked if professional inspections are necessary when buying a home for anyone who doesn't have experience evaluating or testing appliances. "When it comes to appliances, inspectors do check for them, but with a different mindset," she said. "They look for basic operation, visible damage, leaks, gas and electrical connections, ventilation for range hoods, dryer and vents, as well as safety issues."

"Inspectors, however, do not check all the features of any appliance," she cautioned. Aumann says they don't look at whether they are energy efficient, guarantee the longevity of the appliance, or check the interior components. She recommends asking for the warranty and manuals to verify the appliances are as presented. "If you're into connectivity and smart homes, it would also be a good idea to ask about what appliances can be connected to have a fully operational smart home," Aumann added. According to the real estate expert, there's another potential pitfall homebuyers should carefully consider, especially in an older home that has added modern appliances. It comes down to placement and fit. "Open nearby cabinets as well so you get a good notion of these properly operating [and opening] as you work your way in a particular room," Aumann suggested. She added that making adjustments to the home to create more space can add unexpected costs to your home purchase.