How to Tour a Home

When you are in the market for a new home, touring all the available homes within your criteria for a perfect house can be exciting.  While I share in your enthusiasm, I find it important to coach my clients on how to tour the home.

Here are 5 things to remember when touring your next home.

1. Safety and Security
   Above all else, I personally feel that the safety and security of you and your family is the most important thing to remember. If you're touring with children, bear in mind that you are entering a complete stranger's home. Children tend to explore, which I encourage, but it must be under supervision.
   
   Imagine your son or daughter walking into what seems to be their new room, and out of excitment then run to the window to peer out at the neighbors yard. They're overcome by joy; the view is perfect. "Where do my toys go!?" they think to themselves. In the closet perhaps?
   
   Your child finds a seemingly toy gun on a shelf in the closet, accidentally left out by a homeowner who frantically left for the showing tour. Would you like your child to be in this situation?
   
   Safety and security are so important; it's something I stress to every client before we step foot in any home.


2. The Blank Canvas
   Walking into a home occupied by another homeowner can be a little unnerving. Should you touch anything? Are you afraid to open doors?  The home isn't yours, and the seller is eyeing you from the other room.
   
   If you are touring a home with the seller there, do your best to imagine a blank canvas; ready for your mind to create a soothing environment for your family. Ignore all personal photos, trash left on the floor, and clothes that may not be put up like you would have done.
   
   Imagine walking into this home with nothing in it - how would you decorate it? Would you place draperies here? Perhaps a bold red on this wall would make the fireplace "pop"?
   
   Walk into a home with an open mind to make sure you're not blinding yourself on the opportunity that's about to be presented to you. This home could be gorgeous with just the right personal touch.


3. Use Your Peripherals
   It's easy to get caught up in the major features of the home. Exploring to locate all the bathrooms, ensuring each room has ample size for your loved ones, and considering the contents of a hall closet are all important things to think of.
   
   While touring, be sure to use your peripherals. Keep an eye out for corner cracks on the door ways to show signs of foundation problems. Glance up at the ceiling once and a while to spot any signs of water damage from a leaky roof. Keep your eyes open for seemingly obvious signs of damage that you could otherwise miss.


4. Ask Questions
   Your agent is there to help, so ask questions! Don't shy away from asking questions to your agent, such as "What are the features or amenities that separate this home from the rest?". Ask about homeowner's dues, taxes, and estimated monthly payments.
   
   Finding out the market value of a home also helps to see if the home your standing in justifies a little negotiation. Is it priced too high, just right, or below market?


5. Be Decisive
   Finding the perfect home is inevitable. I gaurantee you there is a home out there that is perfect for your family; the only catch is finding it. How do you know you've found it? I call this the "wow" factor.
   
   Do you walk in with a feeling in your gut that tells you this is the one? Can you imagine your children playing in the living room, or you and your spouse enjoying a fall afternoon on rebuilt outdoor patio with gas grill? These are signs that you are in love; don't ignore them!
   
   Give it enough time, and sure, you'll always find a better home. New homes come on the market all the time, but make sure you keep your needs in mind. If you need to move within the next month, can you really afford to skip over a home you "might" be in love with just to see what's out there?
   
   What if other buyers have already seen this home, and thought about it last night, and are writing an offer right now? Can you live with losing this home?

In no way is this the definitive guide to touring homes, but I think it surely helps you stay on the right track. Don't worry; that perfect house is out there and touring is meant to be a ton of fun!

Keep these tips in mind will make sure you stay proactive and focused while touring, and ensuring that the time you spend with your agent remains productive and will result in you finding the perfect home for your family.

• Rate this Post!

  Select Your Rating:

  • 5 Stars (Excellent!)
  • 4 Stars
  • 3 Stars
  • 2 Stars
  • 1 Stars (Poor)

• Share this Post

  Share With A Friend:

  Your Name Your Email

  Friend's Name Friend's Email

  Optional Message

  Send

• Print
• Social Bookmarking

  Add to Bookmarks: