9 things you can ignore when house hunting

Overlooking these 'flaws' when looking for a home may lead you to a worthwhile bargain.

By MSN Real Estate partner Wed 9:11

by  Michael Corbett, Trulia

 

Looking for a new home can be a challenge, especially when you walk into a for-sale home and 20 years of the owners' lives are on display —and you have to really use your imagination to determine how you can that particular home "yours."

 

Many people choose to remodel and stage their homes prior to putting it on the market, but then there are the vast majority of people who choose to sell their beloved home "as is."

 

 

 

Although a turnkey home is ideal for people who want to move right in and make no changes, there are those "time warp" homes that are actually incredible gems that just need a little polishing.

 

As you step into each home on your house hunt, here are nine things about a for-sale home that you should "ignore" as you search for your dream home:


An 'older' home
Old isn't always synonymous with bad. Some homes built decades ago have stood the test of time because they were built with solid, quality materials and have a classic style. Don't always assume that new equals nicer, either. Some newer homes are "affordable" because they were built cheaply. Remember that there are many simple fixes for dated homes, and the plus side of an older home is the charm and character you can't find in a new build.


Paint colors
Ignore the existing paint choices and focus on the structure of the room, the placement of the windows, etc. Paint is an incredibly easy and a cheap fix in a home and something you can change in just a couple hours.


Wallpaper with roosters and chickens
Although it may look like you are walking into a barnyard, remember that wallpaper is easily replaced or covered over. So no matter how design-challenged the walls seem to look – it's an easy fix.

Kitchen appliances and accessories
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and often, the appliances aren't going to live up to your dreams. As long as you have room in your budget, or a timeline to replace the existing appliances, a seller's yellow fridge shouldn't be a deal breaker.


Ugly carpet
Flooring options are getting more and more diverse, and there are now so many low-cost options that look exactly like their higher-priced counterparts. Don't walk away from a great house just because you're not a fan of what you'd be walking on.


Funky smells
Except for a serious mold problem, there's nothing a deep cleaning can't fix. Plug your nose and focus on the home's bones and the potential it has when you give it your own touch.

Curb appeal
If you're not saying "wow" when you first drive up, that's OK. Close your eyes and envision a different colored front door and some new landscaping, and presto – it might just be your dream home.


Popcorn ceilings
It's great at the movies, but not at home.  No worries! A ceiling specialist can come in and have it all that scrapped off. Just make sure you have it done before you move in – it is a messy job.

No privacy
If the house feels too exposed and lacks privacy from next door – you can fix that. Remember that "hedges make great neighbors."

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