The Dos and Don’ts of Viewing a Home

BY SCOTT MOORE, REALTOR

Viewing a home isn’t something that people do every day—and its normal if you’re not 100% sure on how to act, or what’s expected. Here are a few pointers.

The Dos:

1. Do sit on the couch
   It’s Ok to make yourself at home in the home’s public spaces (ie places where the home owner would entertain guests). Take a moment to sit on the couch or pull up to the breakfast bar and imagine yourself living in the space. This helps you visualize how the home will work for you and your family.

2. Do bring your kids, but be hands-on
   If you’re bringing children along, that’s great! Just be sure to keep them under control. There is nothing vendors hate more than finding a mess after a showing, and you don’t want the vendors to start with a bad feeling about you heading into negotiations. You can always book a second showing without the kids if needed.

3. Do take notes and photos
   Take notes or photos to remember key details. This will help you compare properties later and recall things you liked or didn’t like. It’s easy to forget specifics, so documenting your experience will be helpful when it comes time to make decisions.

4. Do ask questions.
   Your realtor is your guide- if you’re not sure if its ok to do something or not, just ask. Over the years we’ve heard every question imaginable-- from can I take a swim in the pool (no) to can I bring every relative in my entire family to the showing (also no) to can I play their musical instruments (unfortunately not). If you like the house, we want to help you get it, and if we see you doing something a vendor would consider off-side, we’ll let you know.   

The Don’ts:

1. Don’t lay on the bed or use the bathroom
   Private spaces (ie: places where the homeowner wouldn’t normally invite guests) should be respected. It’s important to look at these spaces, but laying on the bed or opening nightstand, crosses a line and will really annoy the homeowner.

2. Don’t be distracted by staging
   While beautiful furniture and decor can create a nice atmosphere, don't let staging distract you from the home’s true features. Focus on the layout, size, and condition of the space. Envision how your style and furniture will fit into the space instead.

3. Don’t leave a mess
   Be sure to leave the home as you found it. Whether it’s moving a cushion or opening a cabinet, turning off lights, locking doors, there should be no trace that you’ve been there. Sellers and agents will appreciate your respect for their space.

4. Don’t chat about the home on the front steps.

   Many (or even most) homes have doorbell cameras. You should expect that everything you say on the front steps will be recorded and it’s easy to see how talking about how much you love the home and how you’ll do anything to get it might compromise your position in negotiations! With so much audio-video technology in homes these days, its probably best to consider that you could be recorded in the home as well. Best policy is to move your post-showing discussions to the end of the driveway, to the car, or a local coffee shop.

Are you ready to start your home search? Let me help you find the perfect home! Contact me today to get started.