Getting to tour a home can be an incredibly exciting part of the homebuying process. You finally get to see what the place really looks like (because we all know real estate photographs don’t always do the place justice!), and start to envision what your family’s life will look like in the space.
However, it’s important not to go into a home tour with rose-colored glasses on.
Don’t imagine that it’s your dream house before you’ve set foot inside the front door, and try your best to avoid pinning all of your hopes on one property.
Instead, put together a list ahead of time of what you’ll look out for and ask the owners or realtors about.
Even if the house looks incredible and perfect for what you need, you’ll still need to ask about maintenance, upkeep, and repairs– in other words, things that can have a major financial impact well after you’ve purchased the place!
Keep your priorities straight
If you’ve ever watched a real estate reality television show, you’ve maybe noticed the potential buyers who just can’t seem to get past things like paint color or other decor choices. “This looks like a great place to live and raise our kids, but the exterior color is a dealbreaker!”
It sounds silly when you’re just watching TV, but things like paint color really can greatly impact a potential homebuyer’s impression of the house.
In fact, a recent study conducted by Zillow determined that simply painting the front door a dark neutral color, like black or charcoal, can add thousands of dollars to a home’s value.
So, while you’re aware that paint color is temporary and you can immediately repaint that canary-yellow accent wall if you buy the place, you should also look beyond paint color.
Even if the front door gives the place great curb appeal, remember to take a closer look at the condition of the home, too!
Make a note of potential issues
If you’re convinced that you’ve found your dream home, it can be difficult to remember to ask about any potential or known property issues.
While your seller is required to include information about property issues, you should still ask the listing agent about property issues while touring the home– and take a look for yourself.
For example, if the seller states that the roof hasn’t been replaced in a few decades, you should closely look around for signs of water damage or other related issues. A roof replacement can be a huge expense, and you’ll definitely want to know about it before the house becomes yours!
In general, you should also look around for any signs of structural problems. Check out ceilings and corners for water stains or cracks that could be indicative of major, expensive problems somewhere down the line.
“Need to have” versus “nice to have”
Although you might envision a perfect midcentury haven with tons of built-in shelving and a mint-condition retro kitchen (or a completely minimalist, sleek and modern paradise), chances are good that you won’t find exactly what you’re looking for.
Before you tour a home, make an honest list of what you consider necessary versus just nice.
Taking note of the local schools is typically a necessity for families– after all, your family will most likely be living in this home for many years to come, and you want the kids to have a great school experience!
You should also have a good idea of how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need the place to have, making sure to account for future family expansion or work-from-home offices.
Ask an expert
If you’re new to the homebuying process and overwhelmed by all the advice coming your way, don’t worry– that’s what we’re here for. Working with a realtor who’s highly experienced, educated, and connected in the industry can help you find the home that’s best for you and your family’s needs, without all the stress.
If you’re ready to start searching, feel free to send us a message today! We’d love to help you find your family’s dream home.