Congratulations, you've made it to step 4 in the home buying process - going on showings! This can be an exciting but overwhelming part of the process, which is why having an agent by your side is crucial. Here are some tips and tricks to make your home search as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Expert Procedures for Multiple Showings
At House of Palmer, we have expert procedures in place for multiple home showings. We ask the listing agent for available times, but also leverage the phone call to find out any information that will help our buyers decide on the property, such as seller motivations, the listing's traffic and whether or not there are any pending offers. We also map out and time the route perfectly, and send calendar invites with addresses included for easy-to-follow guidance.
Etiquette for Walking Through Homes
When walking through someone's home, it's important to be respectful and follow proper etiquette. Be sure to remove your shoes or wear booties if requested. Avoid commenting on personal items or decor, and do not snoop through drawers or cabinets. Keep in mind that now a days cameras and listening devices can be descreetly hidden, your commentary could give away valuable leverage if you decide to present an offer. If the home is occupied and the seller vacated to accomodate your showing, it's important not to meander and engage in long conversations that could be had during the drive to the next showing. Respecting the sellers time and personal property can actually benefit you when it comes time to present an offer.
New Construction Model Homes
If you're interested in a new construction model home, always have your agent with you. The builder's representative works for the builder, not you. An agent will represent your interests, help you understand the contract, and guide you through the entire construction process. For more information about buying from a builder go to our blog post titled, "Buying A Home From A Production Buider"
Open House Etiquette
At open houses, be mindful of what you say. The listing agent may be listening or asking questions to gauge your interest in the property. Avoid giving away any negotiating leverage by discussing your budget or the maximum amount you're willing to pay, your timeline, or your motivation to move. And always let them know you have an agent that you are working with. The listing agent may want to follow up for feedback, so keep a few of your agent's business cards to hand out to them.
What to Focus on When Looking at Homes
When viewing homes, it's easy to get distracted by cosmetic details, but it's important to focus on the bigger picture. Pay attention to things like the condition of the roof, the age of the HVAC system, and the quality of the windows. These items can be costly to repair or replace and can impact your overall budget. At the same time, remember we will be hiring an inspector to provide a detailed report of all the possible issues. There is no need to get on the roof or go into the crawlspace. Leave that to the pros!
Neighborhood Mapping
Before making an offer, take the time to map out the home's distance from locations like grocery stores, work, and school. Walk the neighborhood in the evening, drive from the home to work during morning and evening rush hours, and consider whether the school is walking distance and safe for children to walk to in the morning and when school gets out.
At House of Palmer, we pride ourselves on being attentive and thorough during showings so our clients can focus on imagining themselves living in the home while we focus on what they need to know. Contact us today to start your stress-free home search.