10 Hidden Issues in a Dwelling Room You Would possibly Not Spot on Video

The living room is one of the most important rooms that you should take a close look at when looking for a place to live. After all, you can relax there after a long day, laugh with friends when throwing a game night, or find solace in a good book curled up by the fireplace.
But puzzle us this: How can you fully inspect the living room when you’re not even there?
With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual and video home tours have become crucial for home buyers. Thanks to the technology, we actually feel there. However, there are some drawbacks: you won’t notice a bad smell or noisy neighbors on a video screen, for example. No, to get a full picture of the area you want to deposit down on, you need to rely on your agent to be your eyes, nose and ears.
To get as much information as possible about your future new home, ask your agent these living room questions during your video tour.
1. Does the front door open into the living room?
Are you in the living room as soon as you enter the house or is there a foyer that shows the way?
That’s an important question, says Leneiva head, Principal Agent / Owner of Welcome Home Realty in Antioch, TN.
For most potential buyers, foyers are a nice bonus – a place to take off shoes and hang coats. If there is one, check the closet too.
Also, if you’re looking at a two-story house, where are the stairs?
“This is important because sometimes the stairs greet you at the door or lead you to the side of the living room,” says Head. “Depending on the position of the stairs, the wall space available for placing the furniture can be impaired.”
2. Where exactly is the living room?
Make sure your agent shows you exactly where they are in relation to the rest of the house.
“It is very important that your agent record videos that go in and around the living room as if they live there every day,” he says Jennifer Carr, Associate Broker at Timber and Love Realty in Boise, ID.
“When there are obstacles like small doors or stairs, it can be difficult for some shoppers with special needs,” she adds. “I can tell you from experience that walking just a step down or up into a living area can be a major disadvantage for many buyers of all ages.”
3. What does it look like outside the window – and how does it sound?
Make sure your agent is showing the camera from every window. Look and hear.
“You might want to ask your agent if they’re viewing any intrusive or annoying noises that might not get through on their end – like traffic noise, dog barking, or a train horn,” recommends Carr.
4. Is this a formal living room?
You could tour a house with a family room and living room. In a home with both, the family room is more of a casual space away from the main entrance where everyone can hang out to watch TV. On the other hand, the living room is traditionally located near the front door and serves as a formal space to welcome guests or chat.
Wendy Gladson, Real Estate Advisor at Compass, Los Angeles, ponders how the formal living room should be used.
“Will it be a waste of space being separated from the rest of the house,” she says, “or can it be reinterpreted to suit your needs?”
5. What kind of flooring is that?
“Getting your agent to video the living room floor is more important than you think,” says Carr.
Whether hardwood, laminate, tiles or carpeting, ask what condition it is in.
“Floors can be changed, but more importantly, if they’re not in good shape, you can use them in negotiations,” says Carr.
6. How high is the ceiling?
Low ceilings create a cozy feeling while higher ceilings create an illusion of more space and size, says Gladson.
If you want to keep your utility bills lower, ask your agent how high the ceiling is, as it costs more to heat and cool rooms with high ceilings. While taking a look at the ceiling, check the condition of any wooden beams or planks.
7. Can I take a closer look at the lighting?
The lighting is often overlooked, says Gladson, but it should be more than a peek.
“In many older homes, the lighting may be out of date and need updating,” she says.
It can get expensive replacing or adding new lighting to a ceiling fan, sconces, and other connected lighting. Some older homes don’t have lights or ceiling fans with lights in the living room. You should keep this in mind if you want ceiling lighting.
8. Is that a wood fireplace?
“The fireplace is the heart of the living room, an emotional anchor that represents warmth and charm,” says Gladson.
It’s not that warm and inviting when it’s crumbling or not working. Whether the fireplace is gas, gel, pellet, or wood, look carefully when your agent enlarges the structure and mantelpiece.
Ask your agent if it works, and if there is wood burning, when was the last time the chimney was serviced by a chimney sweep.
9. How many windows and doors are there in the living room?
Natural light is a sought-after feature, but it can be compromised by having too many windows Furniture placement– unless you prefer your furniture outside the walls. Also note the window shapes and sizes.
“Note any unique features like a bay window or window seat that creates more floor space due to the unevenness, or French doors. As beautiful as they are, if the doors swing inward, they can take up valuable space, ”warns Head.
10. Can I see a close-up of the surfaces?
It’s easy to get distracted by a beautifully staged living room and overlook the surfaces. And even if the living room is empty, you can note the size and floor and move on.
Before your agent leaves the living room, however, request a closer look.
“Check the quality of surfaces from paint to baseboards and moldings, floors, curtains or window coverings to customer-specific fixtures,” advises Gladson.