Step 23 of 48 Phase 3: House Hunt in Earnest
3.6 Tour Houses Like A Pro
Touring homes is exciting, but stay objective. Look beyond staging and cosmetics to evaluate the bones of each property. A systematic approach helps you remember details and compare homes fairly.
Pro Tips
- Bring a checklist and take consistent notes for each home
- Take photos and videos (with permission) to review later
- Test water pressure, open cabinets, flip light switches
- Check cell phone reception in different rooms
- Look at ceiling corners and basement for water damage signs
- Open windows to check for noise levels
- Visit the neighborhood after the showing at different times
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being distracted by beautiful staging or fresh paint
- Ignoring foundation cracks, uneven floors, or sticking doors
- Not checking the roof condition, HVAC age, and water heater
- Skipping the basement, attic, and garage inspection
- Making an offer without seeing the home in person
Home Tour Checklist
| Area | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Exterior | Roof condition, gutters, siding, foundation, grading |
| Kitchen | Appliances, cabinets, counters, plumbing, layout |
| Bathrooms | Water pressure, drainage, ventilation, tile condition |
| Bedrooms | Size, closet space, natural light, noise |
| Living Areas | Layout flow, natural light, flooring condition |
| Basement/Attic | Water damage, insulation, structural issues |
| Systems | HVAC age, water heater, electrical panel, plumbing |
| Garage/Storage | Size, condition, functionality |
Real-World Example
Priya and James's Story: Priya and James toured two similar 3-bedroom homes in the same neighborhood, both listed at $375,000. Using a systematic checklist revealed important differences.
- Home A: Beautiful staging, granite counters, fresh paint - but HVAC was 18 years old and roof had 5 years left
- Home B: Dated kitchen and carpet, but new roof (2023), new HVAC (2024), and updated electrical panel
- Estimated repair costs for Home A: $15,000 (HVAC) + $12,000 (roof) = $27,000 within 5 years
- Estimated update costs for Home B: $8,000 (kitchen cosmetics) + $3,000 (carpet) = $11,000 at their pace
- Home B also had better water pressure and no signs of water damage in the basement
Outcome: By looking past staging and focusing on structural condition, Priya and James chose Home B and saved an estimated $16,000 in near-term repairs. The cosmetic updates could wait and be done on their schedule.