Mind Your House Hunting Ps & Qs

Now that you have your checklist in hand, and you and your realtor have identified a few homes for sale that look interesting, it’s time to go house hunting. Let’s take a look at a few tips on house hunting dos and don’ts as well as some general suggestions to help make the process easier.

Just as in everything else in the world, manners count; and manners are really little more than using common sense and being respectful of other people and their property. That being said, when you are in someone else’s home as a prospective buyer you might do a few things that wouldn’t be polite if you were there as a guest; but, for the most part, the rules are the same as though you were an invited guest.

Don’t take food and drink into the house.

Do wear slip on shoes so you can take them off if asked. A home for sale often has new or freshly cleaned carpeting. Don’t want to go barefoot? Wear socks. Some seller’s realtors offer booties as an alternative.

Don’t bring the kids. They’ll distract you from the task at hand, plus they’ll probably get bored.

Do look in cupboards, drawers and closets.

Don’t trash talk the home or decor (especially at an open house). You never know who is listening and if you end up making an offer in a multiple offer situation, you don’t want to have offended the seller by making snide remarks.

Do take photos and/or videos.

Don’t rush. Allow yourself plenty of time to look at each home thoroughly.

Do walk through the house and soak it in. Get your first impression, then go back with a more critical eye.

Good luck on your search for the perfect house. If I can assist you, please don’t hesitate to call 415-EICHLER or get in touch with me via my contact page and I’ll give you a call.