What to Bring When Viewing a House

Buying a home will likely be the biggest purchase you make in your lifetime. As such, you’ll want to be prepared and focused when conducting a home search. If you’re in the market for your dream home, make sure you know what to bring when viewing a house.

Most people don’t go grocery shopping without a list, and this is a situation where you’ll want to be as thorough as possible. Consult this helpful checklist to make sure you have your bases covered and don’t miss any details.

Bring Your Agent.

First and foremost, you’ll want your trusted agent to be along for all showings. They are not only your advocate but your guide for the behind-the-scenes details of the listing. Your agent will be able to put the home in the context of time on the market, comparable properties, and the neighborhood.

All Decision-Makers.

Unless you’re buying the home alone, make sure all interested parties - partner, children, etc. - are involved. It will be their home, too, so you’ll likely want their input.

They may point out an issue or factor you hadn’t considered that could end up being a problem in the long run. Also, in a hot market, you may not have a chance to come back with the rest of the family before having to make an offer if you’re interested.

A Camera or Smartphone

It’s hard to remember all the details of a house, especially if you are viewing multiple options. The pictures in the listing will only highlight the parts the sellers want you to see. There may be parts that are most important to you that you’ll want to review later.

Also, there could be defects or concerns that you’ll like to show an expert before making an offer. In case other household members can’t make the showing, a video, and some pictures will go a long way in helping them visualize the pros and cons of the home.

Pen and Notepad.

You’ll undoubtedly have questions, follow-up items, and other thoughts you’ll want to revisit. It’s best to take notes so that you don’t miss anything. You may be in a home where the seller is present. In that case, it will be less awkward to write down your questions and concerns and share them after the showing. You’ll also want that notepad to take measurements.

Measuring Tape.

Do you have a piece of antique furniture or sofa that you can’t live without? It’s best to ensure ahead of time that your piece will fit in the space so that you’re not disappointed or unprepared to say goodbye to Grandma’s hope chest.

Even if you don’t have special pieces that you want to bring, you’ll also need those measurements to purchase new furniture. The actual usable space in a home can sometimes be deceiving. Make sure to measure the windows and wall space to make room for TVs and other wall hangings.

An Open Mind.

Finding the right house is challenging. There will always be something you don’t love. It’s essential to keep an open mind. Look beyond the cosmetics. Paint and finishes are easily changed. If the non-changeable features like location, natural light, and floor plan work for you, there’s likely a solution for the parts you aren’t crazy about. If you have an interior designer or a friend with a good eye for design, it’s not a bad idea to bring them along.

Pre-approval and budget.

Buying a home requires patience, perseverance, and preparation. Knowing what to bring when viewing a house will help you organize your thoughts and make sure you’re covering all your bases so that you can be confident and secure with your decision.

Visit Homes & Land to find an experienced real estate professional to help guide you through the process.