This is the sixth installment in an on-going series of posts dedicated to helping 1st Time Home Buyers successfully achieve their home purchasing goals. We have been identifying and discussing, in chronological order, key events in the home buying process.
In our last discussion, we talked about the actual ‘out-of-pocket’Â expenses associated with buying a home. In this article, we’re heading out to look at homes in a post entitled, “Tips for Home Tourists.”
Â
Your knowledgeable, professional Real Estate Agent has taken your list of expressed needs and wants, and has scoured the Multiple Listing Service, identifying a number of potential properties for you to tour. Here are just a few practical suggestions to keep in mind as you venture out:
Â
- Bring some water and granola/energy bars along with you.
- Realize that the first time out, you may or may not find “the” house, depending on your relocation timeframe. Your Agent is going to show you what is currently available on the market in your particular price range.
- Â Have a good map of the area so you can see where the homes are in relation to where you will be working; to schools; shopping; hospitals, etc.
- Your agent will have MLS print-outs for each of the houses. Don’t be distracted by looking at these datasheets while you are actually touring the home. Experience the home fully. Wait until after you are done to read them.
- After each showing, take a few minutes to share your “likes” and “dislikes” about each home with your Agent. Don’t make your Agent pull teeth. The more openly and honestly you share your thoughts, the better equipped your Agent will be in finding you just the right home. Rate the homes on a scale of 1 to 5.
- Unless the house is vacant, remember that people live there, and to treat their home with care and respect. It might be rather difficult to successfully negotiate an offer on a home if your precious little Bobby has knocked over a priceless family heirloom.
- At the end of your tour, ask yourself the question “Did any of the homes your toured satisfy all or most of your needs and wants?” If so, would you feel ready to put in an offer? If not, then why not?”
- And lastly, remember to Have Fun!
 In our next time together, we’ll discuss what is involved in writing up an offer, one of the many key steps in “Adventures in 1st Time Home Buying!”
