Considering Windows When Home Buying

In real estate, the term curb appeal is bandied about frequently and rightly so. Curb appeal refers to visual appeal of a home and highlights a very important aspect of the buying process. Simply put, many people have an emotional reaction to a property and choose to make an offer or not make an offer based on that emotional tie. While you obviously want a home you find attractive, paying close attention to the details is extremely important.

One of the tricks to evaluating a home is to closely inspect the windows. They say that eyes are the paths to a person's soul. Windows serve the same function when it comes to homes. Windows can tell you the overall quality of a home based on their type and construction. They can also give you insight to how the home has been maintained by focusing on their current condition. It is a rare day that windows on a property do not reflect the overall quality of the structure.

When looking at windows, you want to focus on a number of things. The first is the type of window that exists, to wit, single or double pane. Double pane windows offer far more insulation properties than single pane. Unless the area of the country you are living in is perpetually hot, such as Arizona, double pane windows are signs of quality. Also ask to see the documentation on the ?R? rating of the windows. This term refers to the ability of the window to act as an insulator with a rating of 7 being excellent.

If you are buying a home that is not new, the maintenance provided by the previous owner is an important aspect to take into account. Windows are good place to evaluate this subject. If the windows have screens, are they in good condition and have they been washed? Do the windows slide open and closed easily? Do they canter when they slide, to wit, catch on the top and bottom as they move across? Is there a seal around the tracks and what condition is it in? Finally, do the windows seal when they close? If the answer is no to any of these questions, issues with maintenance should be raised. Specifically, one has to ask whether the home was maintained throughout the period of ownership or just when the owner tried to get the home cleaned up to sell it.

While it is easy to fall in love with a home at first site, it is vital that you pay attention to the details of the structure. Inspecting the windows closely is one way to do that.