House Hunting – What Not To Do
We have a few tools up our sleeves to help make your house hunting experience enjoyable! Check out our House Hunting Check List here!
In addition to your House Hunting Check List, we’d like to offer a few tips on what NOT to do, when your viewing homes.
#1 Don’t just call the number on the sign, and go by yourself! Why?
- It’s unsafe.
- It may not meet your budget or criteria
- Unrepresented buyers loose bargaining leverage
As your Realtor we will research the property for you and accompany you during your viewing.
#2 Don’t be in a rush.
- Plan on staying as long as necessary. Including drive time, it can sometimes take more than half the day to tour several homes –
- If you find one you love, writing and offer can add another hour or so to your time frame.
#3 Don’t overindulge on food or drink prior to your tours.
- No one wants to use the restroom every 10 minutes while viewing homes, especially if folks are currently living there.
- And vacant houses may not even have the necessary amenities (toilet paper).
#4 Don’t wear complicated footwear
- Many sellers now post a “please remove shoes” sign inside the door, this helps keep the flooring clean & protected during multiple viewings.
Having to remove complicated footwear at every home can be frustrating. If you don’t like the idea of wandering barefooted through someone’s home, just remember socks.
#5 Don’t hesitate to USE the home.
- Flush the toilet, run the sink, turn on the shower.
- Open drawers (that stay with the home, don’t dig through someone’s nightstand) cupboards and closets.
This gives you a better idea of how the home will function for your needs.
#6 Don’t forget to be honest with your Realtor.
- The house they’re showing you is NOT their house, if you don’t like it they will not be offended. Don’t be polite-this could result in a waste of your time, viewing homes you are not really interested in.
- On that note, however, remember sellers may be listening and until you know you’re in an area you can speak privately with your agent, keep the comments about the seller’s porcelain cat obsession-I mean collection to yourself. You would hate for one small comment to ruin your chance of negotiating a great deal.
#7 Don’t forget to check out the attic or basement
- Look for water damage, rat droppings & mold.
#8 Don’t forget to check out the neighborhood
- If you’re really interested in a home, swing by and say hi to a neighbor, there’s no better way to get info on the happenings than to talk to someone who lives in the area.
And as always to make sure you have the BEST home buying experience call me 970-985-8555 or message me below to get started!