Top 5 Things to Think About When Touring a Property

Looking for a home is an exciting, but sometimes overwhelming experience. If you’re actively house hunting, you might be touring multiple properties back to back. Like trying to recall your memories after a full day of wine tasting, the details can get a little blurry. 

If you’re rushing through the home (or too focused on the Pinterest-worthy staging), you may miss important details about the property. Your time is precious, so make sure you’re focused and getting the most out of each visit. 

When I tour with buyers, I ask questions about how you would use the space, and how you feel about XYZ. I spend more time pointing out important things I see and potential pitfalls, not just trying to “sell” you the home. 

Here are the Top 5 Things to Think About When You’re Touring a Property:

Layout/Functionality 

This one goes without saying – does the layout of the house work for you? It’s much easier to update finishes than change the layout of the home, which would most likely require significant structural work (aka lots of money). For example, if you like to cook and entertain, but the kitchen is tiny and separate from the living and dining rooms, this might not be the right home.

Can you easily change the things you don’t like? 

There are often small changes you can make to the finishes that will drastically improve the look and feel of a home. While you don’t want to commit to a fixer if that’s not in your comfort zone, I often see clients rule out properties that would look perfect after a fresh coat of paint, new light fixtures, etc. If the aesthetics aren’t working for you, take a minute to identify what about the home you don’t like, and if it can be easily changed. 

Approximately 20% of homes are sold off-market, and I always work my network to get my clients access to off-market properties. Many of these properties are owner occupied and won’t show as well as a vacant, prepped, and staged home. Seeing a home that’s not fully prepped requires some imagination. 

Here is a great before and after photo, for your reference. This is the same living room in one of my past listings after fresh paint, refinished floors, and staging. 

Be a Detective

Take a moment to look past the finishes, and focus on any potential issues and defects. You don’t need to be a contractor to get a feel for the condition of the home. Many of the homes in Granite Bay and Loomis are older and will have some wear and tear. However, I typically see a big difference between homes that have been well maintained over time, and those with years of deferred maintenance. If you see any red flags, take photos/notes so you can look for more information on the property inspections. Here are some examples of items to check out: 

• Windows: Look around the windows – do you see any signs of water intrusion – staining, cracking and patching, swelling window sills, etc. Are the windows new or older? 

• Floors: Walk around the house and pay attention to any settling or sloping in the floors. It’s not uncommon to have some settling, especially in older homes, but it could be an indication of structural concerns. Also look for potential water intrusion by checking out the condition of the floors around exterior doors. 

• Ceilings: Look up at the ceilings and look for staining, cracking, and patching, which could indicate roof leaks. 

• Siding: Walk around the exterior of the house and pay attention to the condition of the siding material. The exterior siding and paint is the home’s main defense from the elements. 

• Decks (if any): Deck repairs and replacements are often the most expensive item on the pest report. Decks take a lot of maintenance, but they are often neglected. Look for damaged boards and discoloration, which could be a sign of fungus/rot. 

• Systems: You don’t have to be a plumber to identify if the hot water heater, furnace, etc. are ancient or relatively new. Updating the systems can be costly, so check out the approximate age of the major appliances. 

What will your life look like in 3-5 years? 

Do you plan to have children, get a dog, take care of an aging parent, start commuting to work, etc.? It’s important to think about what your life will be like in the next few years, so you don’t find yourself in a home that doesn’t suit your lifestyle a 3 years down the road. But if things do change, I will be here to help you find your next home!

Neighborhood

The vibe of the neighborhood and proximity to parks, trails, restaurants, etc. has a huge impact on your quality of life. If you’re not familiar with the neighborhood, take some time to walk or drive around the area. I would take it one step further if you’re considering submitting an offer on the home. Park your car at the property and go for a walk or bike ride so you can explore and make sure it’s somewhere you want to call home. Bonus points if you find a friendly neighbor to chat with, and ask why they like living there. 

When I’m working with buyers, I never think of myself as a salesperson. I’m a coach/mentor/guide. It’s easy to get caught up in the emotions of buying a home, but it’s my job to remind my clients of their “why.”

I had new buyers who contacted me in a frenzy, wanting to make an offer on a listing that had just hit the market. I knew their #1 priority was a big backyard for their young kids, and this house had a tiny cement patio. After speaking with them, I realized that they were just so excited to start their search and got caught up in the moment. We went over their priorities again and they came to the conclusion that this home wasn’t going to work for their family. 

Make sure you work with an agent who has your best interests at heart, and remember what to focus on when you’re looking for a new home. 

Are you ready to find your perfect-for-you home? Schedule a call.

Whether you’re buying or selling in Granite Bay or Loomis, I’ll make sure you have a competitive edge.