11 Things to Look for When Touring a House

Typically when we think of things to look for when touring a house, many of us default to what a home inspector would be looking at—the foundation, windows, heating system, etc. However, there’s more to a house than the building itself! For this reason, we created a list of 11 things people tend to overlook when touring a house. 

Noise pollution

Noise pollution can disrupt your daily life depending on its proximity to your home. When touring a house, survey the nearby areas and pay attention to potential sources of noise pollution. If the house is close to a highway and you’re touring it during the day, traffic might be lighter than during rush hour in the evening. If railroad tracks are nearby, passing trains can easily be heard at a distance and also impact the flow of traffic near crossings. 

Flood zone

Flooding can lead to a number of problems such as structural damage, mold growth, or damage to personal belongings. On top of this, flood insurance can be pricey and homes in high-risk flood zones can be harder to sell at the preferred price later on. So before you picture yourself drinking your morning coffee and looking out at your view of the river, consider the potential risks of living in a flood zone.  

Click here to view the Skagit County flood map. 

Landslide zone

While beautiful hilltop views are a huge perk, they come with their own set of risks. Homes built on top of or at the base of slopes, around drainage hollows, or near existing landslides are considered high-risk areas for future slides. Work with your real estate agent to identify risks and consider hiring a geoscientist or geotechnical engineer to inspect the site and provide a proper assessment. 

Click here to view the Skagit County geohazard map. 

Wildfires

As wildfires are on the rise, it’s crucial to know if your potential home is at risk. If the house you’re touring is in a rural area where there’s just one main highway leading to and from safety, factor in that everyone else will need to use the same road and that something as simple as a downed tree might take some time to be taken care of (unless you’ve got a chainsaw!) Additionally, even if the house you’re touring isn't at direct risk of wildfire, its proximity to wildfires will impact air quality, which may be a consideration for those with relevant health risks.

Oil and gas pipelines

Many buyers and home builders grow concerned when they hear a home is built near or on top of a gas pipeline. Gas and oil pipelines have been associated with increased health hazards for those in close proximity and have the potential risk of exploding, causing extensive damage to homes and communities. On top of these risks for you as a buyer, it decreases your home’s resale value later on. 

Processing and treatment plants

If you have a sensitive sense of smell, pay attention to houses near any type of treatment plant as odors may be less noticeable in winter months when the air isn’t as fragrant. Whether it’s a wastewater treatment plant or some type of manufacturing plant, keep your eye out for potential sources of strong odors. 

Utilities

When you’re falling in love with a potential new home, the last thing you want to think about is utilities… However, utilities really do impact daily life. For example, if you’re planning on working remotely or running a business from home, you don’t want to be caught in a cell service dead zone or stuck with limited options for internet service. If you’re touring a house in a more rural area, you’ll also want to think twice about how far you’re willing to haul your trash for pickup!

Farmland

Living on or near farmland has its own challenges, such as sprays used to manage crops and the smells that result from livestock. You may experience an increase in dirt and debris, along with a healthy rodent population. This is another source of noise pollution due to livestock and loud farm equipment. 

Power lines

Purchasing a home near power lines means a slight risk of fire, and possible electrocution, and there’s usually a constant buzzing noise from the high voltage. While these homes can be enticing with the cheap price tag, more people are becoming averse to living near power lines. Always be thinking about the resale value of a potential home!

Adjoining properties

If there’s a nice little green belt or an empty field next to the house you’re touring, it’s worth doing some research to see what the future may hold for any adjoining properties. It’s good to at least know whether the green belt is subject to future logging or if the empty field will be developed into apartments someday. Another thing to consider is whether adjoining properties serve as access points for public land or private land with commercial use. You never know who might have permission to be near the property, so it’s best to be informed! 

Nearby zoning 

On a similar note, if you notice the house or neighborhood you’re touring is near empty land, visit the county website to learn what these spaces are zoned for to get a glimpse into the future. Zoning maps indicate the types of buildings approved to be built in specific areas. Examples of zoning include residential, commercial, mixed-use, light-industrial, and more! 

Don’t let a dream house turn into a nightmare by overlooking these factors that can dramatically impact your quality of life. There’s more to a home than a house! Our team of brokers is here to guide you and help you assess certain risk factors when touring properties. Drop by anytime and chat with our agent on duty!