When viewing a home that is for sale or attending an open house, there are definitely some things to keep top of mind.  It’s easy to miss small details and even items that are important to you as you move through the home trying to absorb as much as possible.  It is not uncommon to become overwhelmed.

Following a simple checklist or adding a process to home viewings, be it with a Realtor or at an Open House can be quite helpful.

Here are my top 5 suggestions to keep in mind when viewing homes or attending open houses to ensure that important details are not overlooked.

Tip 1:  Slow Down

Slow down and take the time to ensure that you are taking in all of the elements of the home on a room by room basis.  Make certain that you are evaluating the size of the rooms, any potential upgrades or repairs that are going to be required, the natural light in each room and throughout the home, counter space etc.  Follow the same process outside, and walk around the home completely.  It is not uncommon for buyers to purchase a home and then realized that it doesn’t adequately meet their needs.  Consider developing a checklist to bring with you on viewings to help ensure that you are efficiently evaluating all important aspects of the home.

Tip 2:  Ask Questions

Do not ever feel uncomfortable asking questions.  We as Realtors are more than happy to help you with your questions as well as to follow up with the Home Owner to ensure that you have all of the information that is important to you about the home.

Tip 3:  Evaluate the Neighbourhood

Take the time to drive around the neighbourhood at different times of the day, even if you think you are familiar with the area.  A street can be very quiet when you are viewing it mid morning, but can be very very busy during morning and evening commute times.  Checking out a neighbourhood on a Friday or Saturday late night can be very revealing and can look very different then it did on Thursday morning.

Tip 4:  Understand Wants versus Needs

This one is a big one.  Understand the difference between your wants and your needs.  I have found through past experience that the Buyers that can get a good grasp on the difference between the two generally have a much more productive and less stressful home buying experience.  In keeping with this is making sure that your budget is in alignment with what you are looking for.

Tip 5:  Go back for a Second Viewing

Even though you’ve taken the time to move slowly through the home, and have put time and thought into the first evaluation of the space, it’s very important to go for that second viewing.  Even I as a Professional can miss small details the first time through a home.  A second viewing ensures that you have been thorough in your assessment of the home and decreases the chances of missing something that you will wish you hadn’t down the road.