Special offer

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TOURING HOMES FOR SALE

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Beam & Branch Realty TREC #547752

House

This subject may seem like no-brainer however, expectations vary from person to person and therefore need to be examined up front.  Touring homes for sale doesn't have to be drudgery but knowing what to expect can certainly assist a buyer with what they should expect.  Several tips for home buyers can help ease the home touring process!

 

  1. Make sure that you have hired an Agent that knows the area you are looking in!  Your agent needs to be competent with the market values, neighborhood distinctions, HOA information, area amenities, schools, etc.  
  2. Discuss clearly with your agent what your needs are, your budget, location you need to be in, commute to work, school needs, pet needs, and anything else that can really help your Agent drill down to finding you some great homes to see.
  3. Schedule a good chunk of time to see the homes.  The last thing that you want on showing day is to be rushed.  Purchasing a home is a huge decision so you really want to have the luxury of not having to squeeze the tours into an already tight day!
  4. If you have children, try and find a sitter on touring day.  Children typically don't take too kindly to being brought in and out of the car, expected to not touch anything, etc.  Having your children with you can distract you from being able to fully concentrate on your task at hand.  If you have no choice, make sure you are prepared with snacks, toilet paper, wipes, hand santizer, and a favorite toy to keep them occupied.
  5. Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to take on and off.  Many homeowners ask us to remove our shoes when entering a home.  Wearing shoes that come off easily will make your life so much better.
  6. Bring a notepad and pen.  Taking notes on each home you see will be very important.  If you are looking at several homes in one day, good notes will help you remember the good and not so good points about each home.  
  7. Rank the homes that you see.  The first home will obviously be #1.  As you go through the next homes, continue to rank them in the order of which one you like the best.  This is a great way to remember your top homes!
  8. If you drive up to a home and simply do not like the look of it or the area, it is OK to let me know and to not look at it!  I would rather make good use of our time and cut a home out rather than waste time.
  9. Communicate with me when touring about what you like and what you don't like.  I don't own the houses so nothing offends me!  Clear communication regarding a home helps me find you exactly what you are looking for.
  10. Relax!  Have an attitude of making the touring day fun rather than drudgery!  We will find you a home so let's make it a great day while we do!

 

Buying a home is an adventure!  It can be a marathon or a sprint!  Both can be exciting and tiring.  As your Agent, allow me to do the grunt work so you can just enjoy the ride!

 

I love showing and selling homes!  I would love to assist you with your next purchase or sell!  Give me a call today!

Posted by

Comments(8)

Catherine Ulrey
Keller Williams Capital City - Salem, OR
Equestrian and Acreage Property Specialist

Great tips on what  a buyer should expect!  Preparing a buyer and setting their expectations is half the battle.

Sep 12, 2014 02:00 AM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Hi Paula~ We always ask our buyers to rate the homes after we've walked through. It gives us a much better idea of what they are looking for. If it's a couple, we ask each of them to share their own score.

Sep 12, 2014 02:25 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Great points Paula! It may be fun to look at homes however if you are just looking for decorating ideas please wait for Open Houses rather than touring with a Realtor (R) or agent.

Sep 12, 2014 04:04 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

It is all a process isn't it?  Helping our buyers go through the process as easily as possible is a must.

Sep 12, 2014 09:34 AM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Fantastic post Paula, being prepared for any venture is essential and your planning list is so well written!

 

Sep 12, 2014 02:21 PM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Featured in BananaTude!

Sep 12, 2014 02:26 PM
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

These are all great tips - I think having buyers rank homes (or name them, which is also fun, depending on the client) helps them clarify what their priorities truly are, because they so often change once they start looking.

Sep 13, 2014 08:38 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

I love hearing all of the other showing tips.  Love the naming the houses Susan Haughton   

Sep 14, 2014 01:37 PM