Walking into an open house can be exciting, especially in a growing market like Murfreesboro. Whether you're a first-time buyer or moving into a new neighborhood, attending open houses allows you to see properties up close and compare your options. But instead of just admiring the décor or kitchen upgrades, it’s important to know what to pay attention to during your visit. These five things will help you look beyond the surface and make informed decisions about which homes deserve a second look.
1. First Impressions and Curb Appeal
The outside of the home gives you clues about how well the property has been maintained. Look at the siding, roof, and landscaping condition as you approach. Is the grass trimmed? Do the flower beds look cared for? Are the gutters intact?
In Murfreesboro, homes in neighborhoods like Berkshire or Westlawn often showcase detailed landscaping and fresh exterior paint. If a home’s exterior has been neglected, there’s a chance the inside might also need work. That doesn’t mean you should rule it out, but it does mean you should keep an eye out for signs of deferred maintenance. A clean entryway, functioning lights, and a solid front door can also set the tone. These small details can be signs of a homeowner who pays attention to upkeep.
In Murfreesboro, homes in neighborhoods like Berkshire or Westlawn often showcase detailed landscaping and fresh exterior paint. If a home’s exterior has been neglected, there’s a chance the inside might also need work. That doesn’t mean you should rule it out, but it does mean you should keep an eye out for signs of deferred maintenance. A clean entryway, functioning lights, and a solid front door can also set the tone. These small details can be signs of a homeowner who pays attention to upkeep.
2. Layout and Flow of the Space
Once inside, take time to walk through the entire floor plan. Ask yourself how each room connects to the next. A good layout will feel natural and easy to navigate. Open-concept living areas are popular in many Murfreesboro homes, especially in newer construction. However, not everyone prefers that style.
Think about how the space works for your needs. Are the bedrooms separated from the living space for more privacy? Is the kitchen large enough for gatherings? Are there bonus rooms or flex spaces that could be used as an office or guest room?
Pay attention to hallway widths, door placements, and furniture arrangements. These small details will give you a better sense of whether the home will feel cramped or spacious once you move in.
Think about how the space works for your needs. Are the bedrooms separated from the living space for more privacy? Is the kitchen large enough for gatherings? Are there bonus rooms or flex spaces that could be used as an office or guest room?
Pay attention to hallway widths, door placements, and furniture arrangements. These small details will give you a better sense of whether the home will feel cramped or spacious once you move in.
3. Signs of Wear or Needed Repairs
Open houses are designed to present a home in its best light, but you can still spot potential issues if you know where to look. Take note of any uneven floors, doors that don’t close smoothly, or windows that are hard to open. Look at the baseboards and ceilings for any discoloration or cracking, which could point to past water damage or settling.
Check for consistency in paint and flooring throughout the home. If certain areas look newer than others, it may indicate recent repairs or updates. While this isn’t always a concern, it’s good to ask questions and find out what work has been done.
Remember to take a look at the mechanical systems if possible. A quick glance at the HVAC unit or water heater can help you determine their age. These systems can be costly to replace, so it’s worth noting their condition.
Check for consistency in paint and flooring throughout the home. If certain areas look newer than others, it may indicate recent repairs or updates. While this isn’t always a concern, it’s good to ask questions and find out what work has been done.
Remember to take a look at the mechanical systems if possible. A quick glance at the HVAC unit or water heater can help you determine their age. These systems can be costly to replace, so it’s worth noting their condition.
4. Storage Space and Closet Size
Storage is one of those things buyers often overlook during an open house. Take time to open closets, look in pantries, and check the garage or utility areas. Many homes look tidy during showings, but that doesn’t always mean they offer enough storage for your daily needs.
In Murfreesboro, where families and growing households are common, having well-designed storage areas can make a big difference. Walk-in closets, ample kitchen cabinetry, and built-in shelving are popular features in newer homes. If you’re considering an older property, pay extra attention to storage areas to make sure they’ll suit your lifestyle.
Also consider how easy it will be to organize seasonal items, outdoor gear, or hobby supplies. A well-planned garage or attic can free up valuable living space inside the home.
In Murfreesboro, where families and growing households are common, having well-designed storage areas can make a big difference. Walk-in closets, ample kitchen cabinetry, and built-in shelving are popular features in newer homes. If you’re considering an older property, pay extra attention to storage areas to make sure they’ll suit your lifestyle.
Also consider how easy it will be to organize seasonal items, outdoor gear, or hobby supplies. A well-planned garage or attic can free up valuable living space inside the home.
5. Neighborhood Details and Local Feel
While the home itself is the main focus, don’t forget to observe the area around it. How does the street feel when you drive in? Are other homes well-maintained? Are people out walking or biking?
Open houses in Murfreesboro can often give you a glimpse of the surrounding community. Whether you’re looking at a home in the Blackman area, North Murfreesboro, or near the Gateway district, take time to look at nearby amenities like parks, shops, and schools. Some open houses will have flyers or maps showing what’s nearby. If not, take a few minutes after your visit to explore the area. Also, listen for traffic noise and consider the commute to work or school. A home can look great on the inside, but location is just as important for long-term satisfaction.
Open houses in Murfreesboro can often give you a glimpse of the surrounding community. Whether you’re looking at a home in the Blackman area, North Murfreesboro, or near the Gateway district, take time to look at nearby amenities like parks, shops, and schools. Some open houses will have flyers or maps showing what’s nearby. If not, take a few minutes after your visit to explore the area. Also, listen for traffic noise and consider the commute to work or school. A home can look great on the inside, but location is just as important for long-term satisfaction.
Using Open Houses to Narrow Down Your Options
These open house tips in Murfreesboro, TN, are meant to help you stay focused during a time that can feel overwhelming. With so many homes on the market and different neighborhoods to choose from, it’s easy to get distracted by nice furniture or trendy finishes. Instead, pay attention to the structure, layout, maintenance, and location.
Taking notes after each visit can help you remember what stood out. If you’re serious about a property, a second visit is always a good idea. That second walkthrough may reveal things you missed the first time or confirm your interest. Buying a home is a big decision, but by being observant and asking the right questions, you’ll be in a much better position to find the right fit.
Taking notes after each visit can help you remember what stood out. If you’re serious about a property, a second visit is always a good idea. That second walkthrough may reveal things you missed the first time or confirm your interest. Buying a home is a big decision, but by being observant and asking the right questions, you’ll be in a much better position to find the right fit.
Gain Confidence With Help From Local Professionals
Open houses offer a chance to explore different homes and neighborhoods, but having the right guidance can help you make the most of your visits. Understanding how to spot quality, identify red flags, and evaluate a home's layout takes practice.
With a strong knowledge of Murfreesboro’s neighborhoods, construction styles, and buyer trends, Premier Realty TN offers clear and honest feedback to help you narrow down your options. Whether you’re attending your first open house or getting ready to make an offer, their team provides support every step of the way.
When you’re ready to move forward with confidence, contact Premier Realty TN for expert insight and local guidance that makes all the difference in Murfreesboro’s market.
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash
With a strong knowledge of Murfreesboro’s neighborhoods, construction styles, and buyer trends, Premier Realty TN offers clear and honest feedback to help you narrow down your options. Whether you’re attending your first open house or getting ready to make an offer, their team provides support every step of the way.
When you’re ready to move forward with confidence, contact Premier Realty TN for expert insight and local guidance that makes all the difference in Murfreesboro’s market.
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash