You found your broker, got your pre-approval, and feel on top of the world starting out on your home buying journey. And now it’s time for one of the most fun parts of the home buying process — touring listings. But if you’re just starting out on the hunt for your dream home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by looking at what feels like a million houses and none that check every box perfectly.
However, you can easily simplify the process and become a pro at house touring by following a few practical tips. Drawing comparisons between houses, managing expectations, and working with the right team are key when selecting the right pad for you and your family – so start organizing those visits! Let’s take a look at how to find that perfect new home and tour like a pro with 5 simple tips.
1. Narrow down your list of must-haves.
Here’s a hard truth: almost no home on the market will hit everything on your wishlist. Buyers will face trade-offs at every budget level.
Now that we’ve accepted that, the key is to identify what things are absolutely non-negotiable for you and rank them in order of priority. It’ll help you navigate which features are essential and which ones are just nice-to-haves.
You’re not alone if you have a list of a dozen or more features you want in your dream home, like a large kitchen, plenty of natural light and a nice yard or garden, storage space, updated bathrooms — the list goes on. You might find yourself relating to the buyers on House Hunters more than you ever thought possible.
This is totally fine to start, but once you’ve seen a few houses with your real estate agent, it’s time to get realistic. Narrow down your list to your top 3-5 must-haves, and try to forget about everything else during your house hunt, especially things that can be changed or upgraded down the road. For example, if you’re house hunting in Chicago, you almost certainly can’t just add a front yard if that’s on your wishlist, but that kitchen island can definitely be upgraded a year from now.
Another way to make this easier is that your broker will review your wishlist and set up a collection of online listings that meet your criteria. You’ll be able to work with them to whittle down potential properties and set up home tours that come as close as possible to what you’re looking for.
2. Make sure your real estate agent is doing their part.
Let’s make something clear — your real estate agent works for you. If your agent is scheduling home tours at times that don’t work for you (or not scheduling them at all), it might be time to remind them who’s boss and seek out someone else. Remember: your broker is supposed to give you options; it’s up to you to make decisions that suit your lifestyle. Simple as that!
3. Approach each home tour with an open mind.
A home tour is a great way to learn about your style and what you truly appreciate in a house. Be prepared for the possibility that some things you once disliked will turn out to be your favorites or vice versa.
You may have thought that you wanted to live in an elevator building until you realize that HOA costs are usually way higher in elevator buildings, or maybe you thought crown molding is an antiquated style until you find that house where it feels just right.
4. Schedule multiple showings in one day.
Ultimately, going on a house tour is education. Schedule multiple showings on a given day to help you weigh the pros and cons of each. If you see one property, you’ll likely walk away unsure. But if you schedule at least two showings in one day, you’ll likely start the process of elimination more easily than you think. Comparison is everything.
5. The search should take as long as you want.
Don’t let anyone push you into buying a house until you feel a hundred percent ready. Trust your agent here. They’ll tell you if you’re potentially rushing into something, or they may tell you that you’re sitting on something that you should make a move on. Have I mentioned how important finding the right broker is? When you find the right home, it’s time to make an offer.
While some of these tips may seem like common sense, following them can help make your home search more efficient and less overwhelming. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced pro, using these tips will ensure you find the right home. So what are you waiting for? Start going on house tours!
