Here's how you tour like a pro:
- Minimize your list: Buyers touring more than five homes in a row start confusing details. Try focusing only on quality listings that make the cut online. Rehabs can be a great option for some but are YOU handy? If not, don't tour low priced rehabs or you may quickly fall into a love-hate relationship with your home. Stick to listings that reflect your abilities to renovate.
- Make a quick first pass: When you first arrive, walk the entire home without stopping. Does it make your top three? If the property fails, no need to force the situation. Onward!
- Document the details: Use your phone! If the listing has potential, walk through a 2nd time capturing video and talking as you go. Bring a measuring tape for critical dimensions (refrigerator bay, couch, king/queen sized beds, etc.)
- Look past staging: Do NOT be influenced by sellers impressive personal items (gorgeous furniture, sportscar in garage, art, etc.) that will be gone after closing.
- Keep your emotions in check: If you love the home and are in mixed company, keep your comments neutral. Depending on who is present, you could hurt your ability to negotiate.
- Drive by at different times: If you think you may have found The One near a school, business, church, major feeder road, etc. gather a few samples of noise, activity, and parking at key times of the day.
- Be systematic and objective: Keep a consistent checklist as you tour neighborhoods and homes as well as an active top 3. Try our neighborhood evaluation worksheets to simplify this effort.
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