How to Plan to Tour Homes as a Buyer

Congratulations on getting preapproved for a mortgage! Now, you're ready to begin the exciting process of touring homes. However, with so many factors to consider, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through essential tips and strategies to help you stay organized, avoid common pitfalls, and ultimately find your dream home. 

Give yourself time 

Before you start scheduling home tours, you must ensure you have set aside enough time to truly evaluate each property. Viewing these homes will take longer than you might think, especially if you are viewing multiple homes. While touring you will look into every room and feature of the home. It's standard for a home tour to take around 20-40 minutes to complete. There is also the traveling to the different homes between each show. 

Tip 1 

Consider spreading out the tours across multiple days or weekends. It is easy to get very overwhelmed while touring and forget your true desires in the home. Take your time so you can feel confident about the homes you're interested in.

Notes, Pictures, and Measurements 

Home tours can be very overwhelming and stressful. While touring these homes you should take notes of the features you like and dislike. This will make the process easier when it comes to selecting the properties that you want to see again or make an offer on. You can also take photos to remind yourself of the features that you like or if some parts of the home are in rough shape. Another thing to consider is taking measurements of the rooms, especially if you are very interested in the home and are considering an offer. 

Don't sweat simple fixes. 

While touring some of these homes there will be some damages like scratches on the floor, chipped paint, a leaky faucet, etc. Try not to get too caught up on these minor issues and keep in mind the big picture of the home. Most of the minor issues can be addressed when it comes to the inspection stage. 

Tip 2

Keep your focus on the major issues that could affect the integrity of the home or cost you a significant amount of money to fix. These issues could be anything from foundation issues, outdated wiring, or major plumbing issues. These major issues may also be addressed in the inspection stage, but most people don't want to fix them due to the cost. 

Keep emotions in check. 

When touring these homes it can be easy to get attached to a home especially if the home checks a lot of your boxes. Letting your emotions guide your decision-making can sometimes lead you to disappointment or regret when it comes to making the final decision

Tip 3

While it is natural to feel excited about the home-buying process it's important to stay on objective. Think about how well the home meets your needs and your budget. Also ask if the home fits your needs with your long-term plans, rather than getting caught up in fleeting feelings. 

Consider The Neighborhood

The home is just one part of the question the neighborhood and the amenities it offers are the rest. Everyone always says that in Real Estate it's all about location, location, location. That has always and will always be true. While touring these homes take special note of the neighborhood around the property. 

Tip 4 

Drive around the area before or after you are touring the home. Take note of the features the neighborhood offers, like businesses, parks, shopping, and other amenities it could offer. Another thing to consider is the safety of the neighborhood. 

Find a trusted agent. 

Having a trusted professional within the Real Estate market will help you a lot while touring these homes.  This agent has been through hundreds of homes and has seen the best of the best and the worst of the worst. They will be able to help you spot issues of the home that you might not be aware of or able to see. 

Tip 5 

Don't hesitate to ask your agent their opinion on the property, especially if you are unsure about something. They can offer valuable insight and help you avoid costly mistakes. 

Look at the Seller's disclosure. 

A Seller's Disclosure is like your medical history but for a home. It's a long list of the condition of all major components of your home like roof, foundation, well, septic tanks, heating, plumbing, and a lot more. The reason they do this is to show transparency, based on their knowledge if there are any major faults with the property. 

Tip 6

Carefully review the Seller’s Disclosure before or during the tour. If you notice any information that you think is concerning make sure to bring it up with your agent. If any major repairs are needed it may affect your decision or be something to negotiate during the offer process. 

Stick to Your Must-Have List

Before you start touring make a list of your non-negotiables. These homes may have some aspects that attract your attention but may lack your requirements. Your requirements could include … 

• Minimum number of bedrooms or bathrooms 

• A specific neighborhood or school district 

• A large backyard or extra space for a home office. 

• Proximity to public transportation or work. 

Tip 7 

Keep this in mind as you tour homes. If a property is missing some of these required items it may not be the perfect fit for you. No matter how great the rest of the home is, make sure that it fits your initial requirements of your dream home. 

Conclusion: Stay Organized and Confident 

Touring homes can be an exciting and overwhelming process, but with the right approach and preparation, it can be a smooth process to find your dream home. Giving yourself the time to make this decision will also help a lot during the stressful process. Be confident in your decision and make sure to always ask questions when you have them.