If you’re in the market for a new home, you know that the process can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Between poring over listings online, attending open houses and negotiating with sellers, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But there’s one key step in the home-buying process that is often overlooked: touring potential homes.
Scheduling Tours Tips and Tricks
Scheduling a property tour can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tips and tricks it can become a breeze! Before scheduling your tour, be sure to think about how long you want it to last. It’s best to aim for 30 to 45 minutes per showing. This gives you enough time to walk around the home and take everything in, while having a few extra minutes to sit down and discuss the property. Try not to look at too many properties in one day- between three and five usually offers a good balance so that you have time to properly assess each one and not feel overwhelmed by too much information. If one property in particular stuck out to you, you can always schedule a second showing for longer if needed. Consider scheduling at a different time of day to see how the lighting / views differ from your first showing. Taking these steps will ensure that your property tour is an informative experience that helps you find the perfect home.Â
What to Know Ahead of Time
When you begin shopping for a new property, there are some key things you should know ahead of time. If work has been done to the property, you’ll want to know how recently, and for what reason. The sellers may have just decided to remodel, or there could have been damages to the property that needed repair, so make sure you are aware of the reasoning. You will also want to know the seller’s timeline- maybe they are waiting to move into a new property, or it is currently occupied by tenants whose lease needs to end prior to you settling / moving in. With these considerations in mind, you can ensure that when considering a property tour, everything is taken into account and no surprises occur when it is time to close.
What Questions to Ask
Are you thinking of taking a property tour? Before you do, make sure to arm yourself with the right questions. First, are there any other offers that are currently being considered, and what is the timeline for the seller to review all offers and respond? Then, it’s always smart to ask what is included in the sale of the house– think appliances and furniture. This is typically a part of one of the disclosers given to you by the seller, but it never hurts to clarify. Last but not least, don’t forget to learn as much as you can about the types of loans that are accepted by the seller- some properties may only accept specific types of loans, either due to building regulations or seller preference. You don’t want to go through all of the trouble of submitting an offer only for it to be rejected based on loan type. Don’t let your dream home slip away! Be sure to do your research and ask all pertinent questions on your buyer’s property tour.
What to Look Out For – the Good and the Bad
When it comes to property tours, it’s essential to look out for both the good and the bad. It’s important to keep an eye out for upgrades that have been made to rooms – such as new floors or renovated bathrooms – but you should also be conscious of any visible damage such as warped wood, cracks in the foundation and / or walls, mold, or any other concerning damage.Â
Also, the neighborhood is just as vital — so look into how walkable the neighborhood is, any crime reports, and how close the community is to restaurants and shopping. Keep these things in mind during your tour, and you’ll be able to make a more informed decision when purchasing!
Note Overall Condition of the Property and the Systems
You don’t want to be surprised when looking at any new property, so how can you make sure everything is in good shape? Before touring any property, it’s important to note the overall condition and age of the underlying systems. Check how old are the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems – when was the last time they’ve gotten any service? Are there any original appliances in the house? Even if a house looks perfect on the outside, that doesn’t mean it has been well-maintained over time. Most systems will have service dates written on them, but they may not always be accurate, so don’t hesitate to ask. The seller may even be able to provide documentation showing the type and reason for service. Doing some extra research up-front can help you spot signs of trouble down the line!
Stick to the Showing Schedule
When it comes to property tours, buyers should stay on time and stay organized. Sticking to the showing schedule is an important way to stay mindful of sellers and their time as well as making sure you have adequate time to view each property. While taking your time is important, do not overstay your scheduled appointment in order to stay respectful of the seller’s time and avoid interference with their other showing appointments. Taking this approach will ensure that you and the sellers get the best out of your property tour experience.
Property Tours: Closing Thoughts
Property tours can be beneficial to sellers and buyers if they are scheduled and executed correctly. There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re scheduling your property tour like being aware of the time of day, having all the information you need ahead of time and knowing what questions to ask. It’s also important to take note of both the good and bad features of properties as well as anything that needs further investigation. By following these tips, you’ll be able to get the most out of your property tour whether you’re buying or selling!