Six Insider House-Hunting Tips

Smart-Buy Tip 2

Touch the windows.

Put your hand against the sunniest one in the house. A cool window indicates that it’s higher quality, so it won’t let in heat or furniture-fading UV rays. “There are two main elements to a window: the U-factor, which measures heat transfer, and reflectance, which determines the amount of UV rays a window lets in,” Stahl explains. “A cool window is superior in both of these elements. If the window feels hot, it’s the opposite.”

Smart-Buy Tip 3

Listen for outside noise.

If it’s quiet outside, blast music on your phone, leave it outside and then close the door. Evaluate how much noise you can hear. This isn’t just a noise test; it also reveals how air moves in and out of the house. Noise, after all, is transported through the air.

“If the sound doesn’t change much, run out of the house,” Stahl says. “Air can leak in and out easily, bringing with it pollen, dust, humidity, bugs.” But if it feels like you’re in a sound studio, the home has quality framing, insulation and windows — and is a healthier home in general. Especially for those who have allergies.

Step 5

Find the air conditioning unit.

Notice the size, because there's often a direct correlation: the bigger the air conditioner, the worse the interior insulation tends to be. “If there are big – or multiple – boxes, the house was poorly built, so big AC units were needed to compensate,” Stahl says.

Additionally, you should ask whether the unit is single-speed or multispeed. A multispeed HVAC system like Meritage installs in every new home is designed to automatically shift gears to run at the right speed to maintain a comfy temperature and save you on energy costs.

Step 6

Study the HVAC return.

If allergies are a concern, locate the HVAC return to check the home's air filtration equipment. A high-quality air filter, like the MERV 13 that comes standard in all Meritage homes, is critical for reducing bacteria, pet dander, dust, and even some viral particles in the home’s air.

Don’t stop there, though — there might be more filtration equipment in place. Unlike some other homes, Meritage homes have a fresh air management filtration system, which is separate from the furnace filter, and they’re sealed to keep pollen and pollutants out while allowing fresh air in.

Step 7

Ask unconventional questions.

The first is, “What did you do beyond the building code to make this home healthy?” You want to hear that the builder used materials that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Next, ask for an estimated energy bill so you can see the financial impact. You can also inquire about the builder’s awards and certifications.