5 Things to Notice When Touring Homes

You’ve researched homes online and narrowed down those you are most interested in. Now what? Visit your top picks to determine in person what you could not find in the photos and details you already looked at online. Here is a list of what to look for when touring each home:

The neighborhood. Sure, you found out all about school quality, crime stats, proximity to transportation, and more during your online research but nothing compares to being there. Take a look at traffic patterns, the condition of surrounding homes, the neighbors, their yards, etc. After you’ve toured the house, take a few minutes for a quick stroll around the block. This will give you a much better sense of the neighborhood you may come to call home.

The home’s exterior. Carefully inspect the entire exterior of the home. Is the paint chipping? Are the shingles in need of repair? How about the gutters? Repairs needed in any of these areas will factor greatly into your offering price or can serve as a helpful negotiating point.

The smell. One thing you definitely cannot research online is how a home smells. So put your nose to work to sniff out mold, pet damage, air quality, and general cleanliness.

The light. Sure, those appealing online descriptions may have raved about the home’s natural light, but visit every room of the house to make your own assessment.

The size. But wait - with loads of photos and the exact square footage listed online, you already know the size of the home, right? Yes and no. You know the size on paper but you don’t have a sense of size until you’re there. Photos tend to make rooms look more spacious and ceiling height adds another layer to perceived spaciousness.

The most important thing you will determine from walking through a property is completely intangible, namely, how the home feels. Square footage, gourmet kitchen, and backyard deck aside, you need to be able to picture yourself living there. And that is something you can’t determine until you’re there. So don’t rush - take your time and try the house on.

KIMBERLY VAN HAL | Good to Know®

As a residential agent since 1987, Kim has helped home buyers and sellers

in the Fargo Moorhead metro area

achieve their real estate goals.

701-306-9972 | kimvanhal8@gmail.com | fmKim.com