Be Pre-Approved. There is nothing worse then spending the day looking at homes, finding the perfect one and then finding out that you don't qualify. So first things first, call your lender, get pre-approved and let your realtor know what your price range will be.
Be Ready and Be On Time. Your realtor has had to make appointments for each and every home you will see. Even though they usually put a window of an hour on up to 4 homes, this is to help with traffic and the possiblity that you are really going to like one home and want to spend more time in it, but still be able to see the other homes on your list. If you don't like the home, move on, it won't hurt your realtors feelings if you only spend 5 minutes in a house.
Don't Dress to Impress. You will be climbing in and out of a car all day, not to mention walking the property inside and out. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that if you get down on your hands and knees to look more closely at something, you will not have to worry. Not to mention the stairs you might be climbing.
Check the Neighborhood out as You Drive in. Did you notice how far you are from the school, parks, shopping? Are you too close to traffic, are you close enough for easy access to where you want to go? Do you like rural, do you like suburbs, do you like urban living, does the area fit your needs? How's the commute to work? Do you feel crowded by the other homes?
Remember the outside is just as important as the inside, and the area is where you are going to be living.
Whew! What's That Smell! Is there a bad odor inside or out. Do you feel like they bought every bottle of potpourri at the grocery store? Beware that these smells may mold or mildew, but more like it is covering up smoke or animal odors. The latter two can be minimized with a good thorough cleaning, but Mold & Mildew is whole other matter. This is where your inspector will come in and help you make a good decision.
Last But Not Least. Listen to your Realtor, you have chosen them for a reason, they know the area, they know your needs (hopefully), they know the market.
Good Luck on Your New Home Search!
Amy Boehm
The Boehm Team
Realtor, ABR, CRS, ALHS
Keller Williams Realty
Amy: When I was reading your blog I put myself in the consumer's shoes and what you shared with them and expectations is excellent. Come prepared for the hunt; it's not easy but necessary. An experienced realtor needs to read between the lines and target what the consumer can afford and what they like along with neighborhoods, schools, job location are important factors. Most of all be Pre-approved and look at what you can afford.
Amy knows, trust her she is an experienced realtor.
Ceil