Start Your Search for a New Home- Step 3

Approaching your home search comes in various styles, and there's no wrong way to navigate this exciting journey. Whether you're delving into the real estate realm like a daring explorer, carefully crafting a roadmap armed with virtual tours, or adopting a more cautious and indecisive approach, the search for your ideal home is a personalized adventure. Practical individuals might opt to delegate the search to their real estate agent, while others, conducting searches from afar, rely on virtual walk-throughs guided by their trusted agent. Regardless of your strategy, understanding what to anticipate in your home search is crucial.

Online Home Search:

The National Association of Realtors reports that over 90% of home buyers initiate their search online. However, choosing a reputable website is paramount. Ensure the platform pulls data from a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for accuracy. Homes.com, partnered with over 570 MLS systems, guarantees up-to-date and precise information. An ideal site offers an easy-to-navigate interface, large images, virtual tours, and comprehensive details about the location, schools, and comparable homes.

Be cautious of misleading images during your online search. While the kitchen may appear spacious in photos, true suitability can only be determined in person. Since this is a significant purchase, thorough in-person inspections are essential. If visiting in person isn't feasible, a trustworthy real estate agent can guide you through a virtual walk-through.

Seek a website that not only facilitates your home search but also serves as a valuable resource for the entire home buying process. From answering your questions to offering insights into renovations, maintenance, and tips for keeping your home in optimal condition, such a site becomes your go-to for all things related to homeownership.

Key Considerations When Touring a House

While it's common to be swayed by superficial factors, like paint colors or carpet aesthetics, when touring a potential home, it's essential to focus on the foundational aspects. Beyond cosmetic changes, such as repainting or updating kitchen cabinets, look for the core elements that make a house a sound investment. Here are crucial things to observe during a home tour:

Location: Assess the home's surroundings, considering factors like proximity to a highway and accessibility to shopping centers. Evaluate the potential impact of noise and commute times.
Neighborhood: Observe the overall maintenance of neighboring homes and determine whether the neighborhood is older or newer. Check for the presence of sidewalks.
Exterior: Inspect the roof for signs of age and consider the lot size, determining your preference for space between homes.
Interior: Look for horizontal or diagonal cracks on walls, which may indicate water damage or foundation issues. Check ceilings and walls for signs of water damage. Pay attention to floorboards for sponginess or warping.
Flooring: If the home is carpeted, inquire about what's underneath. Watch out for musty odors, which could indicate mold.
Storage: Evaluate the amount of storage space, including the number and location of closets.
Lighting: Assess natural light levels in the home.
Yard: Check the slope of the yard; if it slopes toward the home, flooding may be a concern.
DIY Work: Look for signs of unpermitted DIY projects, such as odd rooflines, sagging beams, or rooms that differ significantly from the rest of the house.

By focusing on these foundational aspects, you can make a more informed decision when evaluating potential homes.

Inquiries to Make During a Home Tour

While your real estate agent is adept at identifying potential issues with a home, actively participating in the tour by asking relevant questions can enhance the process. Seek clarification on various aspects to gain a comprehensive understanding of the property. Here are key questions to consider during your home tour:

HVAC System: Inquire about the age of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Appliances: Check the condition of the appliances and inquire about their age, determining if replacements will be necessary.
Roof: Ask about the age and condition of the roof.
Seller's Motivation: Understand the reason behind the seller's decision to sell the home.
Repair and Renovation History: Inquire about the home's history regarding repairs and renovations.
Ownership History: Determine the number of previous owners the home has had.
Flood Zone: Check if the property is located in a flood zone.
Property Lines: Seek information about the exact property lines.
Homeowners Association (HOA): Find out if there is a homeowners association associated with the property.
School District: Identify the school district in which the home is located, considering potential implications for resale.
Fireplace Maintenance: If there's a fireplace, ask about the last cleaning and inspection.
Market Status: Inquire about the duration the home has been on the market and whether there are any existing offers.
Included Items: If there are specific items you wish to keep, such as a storage shed or hot tub, confirm if they will remain with the home.

Engaging with your agent and posing these questions ensures a thorough understanding of the property's condition and history, aiding in your decision-making process.

Concluding the Home Tour

After completing the tour, engage in a discussion with your agent to gain valuable insights. Seek their perspective on what stood out during the tour, as their expertise might unveil details you may have missed. If the property doesn't align with your preferences, provide feedback on aspects you didn't find appealing, helping your agent narrow down future options.

Effective communication with your agent simplifies the touring process. In virtual home tours, actively involve your agent by requesting demonstrations of faucets, backyard views, and under-sink areas. Feel free to inquire about sensory aspects like the house's scent or any unusual noises, especially if you're unable to physically visit the property. Remember, your agent is your advocate, committed to assisting you in finding the perfect home, and they welcome your questions and feedback.