Buyers: Tips on how to get the most of your home tour.

Looking to buy a home?  Sorry for sounding like such a Realtor, but NOW really is a great time to buy in Northern Virginia.  Our area has balanced out and the worst is in the rear view mirror.  Here are a few tips to get the best use of your time while out viewing homes:

1. When your agent sends you listings, throughly look them over to make sure you like the location, schools, ammenities and agree with any HOA fees.  My listings post with a Google map that lets you zoom in to birds eye level which shows just how close you may be to power lines & major roads. If you don't like the location, then scrap that house to make room in the tour schedule to view a better home.

A good source for school ratings is GreatSchools.com.  Many times schools are not included in listings (THAT drives me crazy!) but you can always find the boundary information online or contact your agent to discover the boundary.  Keep in mind,  school boundaries may change so if a certain school is important  to you, you will need to call the school to confirm there are no potential changes before you make an offer on a home.

2. Your agent will need to schedule appointments to show you any property.  Some occupants require 24 hours notice and some may have restrictions on showing times.  When your agent is scheduling a tour of 10+ homes this can be quite a difficult task.  Be sure to let your agent know the homes you are interested in seeing about 24 hours before the tour date/time so they can make sure to get them all on the tour.

3. Wear comfy clothes & pack a light snack for longer tours.

4. Bring a note pad to take notes.  After 5 or so houses they tend to get confused.  Do not plan to take additional potos unlesss the seller has given you permission to do so.

5. Hire a baby sitter.  Kids are great fun, but after 4 or five homes they are usually tired.  You will not be able to focus on a home if your child is frustrated. 

6. Be ready to act.  If you find the home you like, do not wait to write an offer.  There is a great saying: The home you saw today but want to think about until tomorrow is the same home someone saw yeaterday and may act on today. 

Home tours can be a lot of fun! Follow the above steps and you will get the most out of your valuable time:)