Essential Homebuyer Tips for Viewing Homes in 2024
Although virtual house tours are convenient, they are not nearly as good as viewing a home in person. It is very difficult, and not recommended, to make a home purchase based on pictures and videos alone, which is why you need to attend showings and open houses as a home buyer.
The Realtors of Locations will guide you throughout the entire process and offer helpful insights to ensure a smooth experience. To make the most out of home tours, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Tell Your Real Estate Agent
If you plan on attending an Open House, it is likely that your real estate agent is aware of your interest in the property and recommended that you attend. However, if you discovered the listing on a home listing website and decided to visit without letting your agent know, it is best to tell them beforehand. This is because they have access to additional information about the property through the MLS. You should also let the agent at the open house know that you are already represented, that way they will know to contact your agent directly.
Get Pre-Approved
If you are serious about buying a home, pre-approval for financing is a must. Many Realtors don’t take clients to showings or take them on only a few if they do not get pre-approval. A pre-approval saves all sides time and is really in your best interest. An offer without a pre-approval letter is much weaker. Having one ready is the best, because you might want to make an offer right after viewing a home!
What to Look For
As you are viewing the home, make sure to look for obvious signs of water damage, leaks, fractures, uneven flooring, cracked windows, mold, etc. If there are many obvious problems, there are likely to be some less obvious and potentially more serious problems with the house. Your Realtor will help you find these issues if you are on a scheduled showing with them.
Ask Questions
Use the opportunity to ask the open house listing agent questions. You might be able to get some information that you wouldn’t be able to get just from touring the home. They might also have some information about the area. Do not hesitate to write some questions down before you even go on the tour.
Remain Calm
While touring a home, it is important to gather as much information as possible, but you need to make sure you don’t reveal any details about your budget or timeline with the listing agent. You need to remember - That agent represents the seller and they can use any information you voluntarily give them against you in negotiations! View diligently, take notes, and discuss with your own Realtor afterwards. Understand that many homes have cameras that record video and audio, so don’t say too much inside the house or near it.
Creating a Positive First Impression
It is in your best interest to show respect to the home and listen to any instructions given about things like taking off your shoes or not opening cabinets. It is also great to be there on time, and leave on time. Introducing yourself to the listing agent as a serious buyer with genuine interest is a good way to make sure the listing agent remembers you. Doing all these things will put you in a good light when the listing agent presents your offer to the seller!
During your home tours, keep these tips in mind and also take the time to unwind and savor the experience. The knowledge gained from these tours will help you decide which home you are going to buy.
If you are ready to start looking for your dream home, contact Locations today!
