Step 5 to Buying a Home: Important Information and Tips for Viewing Homes

November 19, 2023

Now that you’ve found some properties you’re interested in, we will be heading out soon to see them!

Important Information

  1. Get pre-approved! Most sellers require you are pre-approved before viewing their home.
  2. Schedule showings in advance.  When possible, try to give 24 hours notice.
  3. Consider the time of day. If natural lighting is important to you then try to see the home during the day.
  4. Dress appropriately. During winter months, porches, sidewalks and driveways may be covered with snow or ice.
  5. Be prepared. Some homes may or may not have A/C, heat, or electric turned on.
  6. Wear easy shoes. You may be asked to remove your shoes, especially if the homes has new carpet, or if the weather warrants it.
  7. Be considerate. Leave the snacks and drinks in your car. And, please…no chewing gum.
  8. Protect your children. For their own safety, it’s best to leave the kids at home.  But, if you do bring them, keep them at your side at all times and remind them not to wander off, or play with or touch the toys or things they see in the home.

Privacy Concerns

  1. Ask permission BEFORE showing day. If you think you’ll want to take pictures or video of the home during your tour, be sure to let me know.  To avoid potential privacy concerns, we want to get the seller’s permission first.
  2. Beware of nanny cams. Some sellers may have cameras in their home monitoring buyers as they walk through. Sellers are not required to disclose this to us beforehand, so be aware of what you say and do.  Do not talk about how much you can afford, what kind of offer you want to make on the home,   while on the property, inside or out.  We’ll discuss each home further once we’re off the property.

Other Tips

  1. Go before you go. Unless it is an absolute emergency, using the restroom in the seller’s home is off limits.  But, if you absolutely must go then be sure to ‘leave it as you found it’.
  2. Open doors, not drawers (except the kitchen). We do not want to be responsible for anything breaking or coming up missing so avoid touching furniture or personal items.
  3. Do not talk to the sellers or their agent. Sellers or their agent may be present at open houses or the homes we see during our tour. If they start conversation, be careful not to give away information about yourself, why you’re buying, or really anything for that matter. Those conversations could hurt us later during the negotiation process.
  4. Focus on the property. The home’s furnishings, artwork, color scheme, etc. are cosmetic and personal choices that can be changed. Your goal is to get a feel for whether or not the home’s location and space will work for you.
  5. Determine if you have further interest. Your first viewing of the home is a time for you to check out the space, layout, amenities, and decide if you really like the home. It is not the time to get in the attic, crawl space, or closed off areas.

Once you view the homes, you’ll need to decide if you have any further interest.  If you do have serious interest in a particular home, I can always schedule a time for you to see it again.

It’s time to go see some homes!

Have questions?  Call 614-208-9794 or email jodydeeds7@gmail.com. I’ll help you buy sell love Columbus.