If you are a seasoned home buyer, then you probably remember the first time you searched for a home. Whether you were looking for a home for sale in Locust Grove, Culpeper, Spotsylvania, or elsewhere, it always feels a little awkward the first time you tour a home. If it is owner occupied, you can almost feel like you are invading someone’s personal space. However, it is important to take a good look at every home during your home showings tour so that you can decide which one is best for you. Here are some ways to prepare for home showings as a buyer.

Before showings

  1. Decide what is important to you ahead of time. Determine what you absolutely must have in a home before you start looking at them. Do you need an office space because you work at home? Have to have (or be able to put up) a fence because you have dogs? Do you need a one level living home because of mobility issues? Having a list of must haves and building a custom search around these items (I can help you do that!) will help weed out a lot of homes that won’t work.
  2. Explore the neighborhoods. Sometimes a house looks amazing until you get there and realize it’s right next to a major highway. Spend some time before you look at homes driving around different neighborhoods that you are interested in to decide which ones feel right for you. Remember, online pictures focus on the home, not what is around it.

During Showings

  1. Arrive on -time! Showings are scheduled in time blocks; you and your Realtor® have that time to explore the home. If you live in a particular busy housing market, there could be additional showings scheduled before and after your time. Being on time to the showing ensures you the most time to explore the home.
  2. Shoes off! Many homeowners will request that buyers take their shoes off or wear protective coverings over their shoes while looking at the home. This helps to protect the carpet and floors in freshly cleaned areas. Please be respectful to home owner requests.
  3. Take notes. At the end of a long day of shopping for homes, the features and facts about the homes can mix with each other. Use a checklist, like this one, to record important info about each home.
  4. Look but don’t touch. Feel free to open up the pantry to check out the space inside or peek inside the master closet. Just don’t touch the stuff that belongs to the homeowner.
  5. Ask questions! Now is your chance to learn more about the home. Some questions your Realtor® may be able to answer on the spot, or he can find out the answers and share with you later. Don’t be afraid! You want to know how old the roof is, what the HOA fee is, or if the washer and dryer is staying with the house.
  6. Use every minute of your scheduled time. Take your time walking through the house, observing the layout, number of bedrooms, and flow of the home. Unless you immediately walk in and are certain it’s a no for you, spend the time you need in the home.
  7. Look outdoors. After touring the inside of the home, don’t forget to check out the backyard.

After Showings

  1. Notes Make sure to write down any notes or further questions you have about the house. It will help you be able to compare this one to others later and help you recall details about the home. Don’t forget to use your checklist!

With a little preparation, you will be ready to make the most of your time at each property. Teaming with a great Realtor® who can anticipate your needs and help you find the perfect home for you is important too. When you are ready to start your home search, contact me; I am ready to help!