You’ve found a few properties that have caught your eye and are in your price range, and now it’s the exciting part, getting to go see them in person! You’ve spent hours visualizing what it would be like living in one of these homes, and you’re hoping the property lives up to your expectations. It can be both exciting and nerve wracking going to showings, and both of those emotions can sometimes blur proper judgement of the property itself. 

When we are going for showings, I will let you know ahead of time which properties we will be seeing in which order, unless you have a preference of where we start or end up! 

Here’s some things to expect and consider during showings. 

Some properties show better online

Ah, photoshop and lightroom. Most if not all listing photos have been edited to some capacity. Brightening a photo and adding contrast and saturation can make a really blah room look great on screen. Plus, photographers know exactly how to angle the camera and how to shoot to make the rooms appear as large as possible. This isn’t to say anyone is being intentionally deceitful, but it worked to get you into the house, didn’t it? Some rooms that are in need of a lot of work also won’t be photographed. Don’t be too disappointed if a house isn’t all that you dreamed it would be. Remember that the bones are the most important, and a lot of cosmetics can be changed, as long as its in your budget! 

Sellers have cameras

Yes – more and more sellers are setting up security cameras inside their home. Understandably, this adds peace of mind to the sellers knowing that they have footage of anyone entering their house, in the event of any issues. However, this can end up being a huge advantage to the sellers without the buyers realizing when these cameras have audio. A lot of buyers will mention features they do and don’t like about the house when walking through, and will stay in the property after the showing is done to discuss next steps (offer strategy, future plans etc). Sellers can use this knowledge to their advantage during negotiations, so be careful what you discuss in the house !

Sellers usually vacate the property, however, they don’t always do.

I’ve been to a few showings where the seller (or the tenant) stays in the house during the showing. This can feel a bit intimidating and awkward for prospective buyers, especially if you are wanting to take a deeper look in the closets and open up the cupboards.. it can feel intrusive when the owner is right there. But remember, you are assessing to see if this house would be right for YOU, and if it is, you will be spending a lot of money on it! Take the time to really get a good look on if you think the property would be good for you, and keep in mind that an inspection can always be included in the conditions of an offer. 

Notice is typically required

I know, it can be so exciting when you find a house and want to view it right away! But most properties require a minimum of 24 hours notice to book a showing. This gives the owners/tenants time to tidy up, present the house as best they can, and make plans for pets/where to hang out during the showings. If the property is vacant, we can typically get in right away, however I still need to let the listing agent know. 

Comparative Market Analysis 

When you are house hunting, it can be overwhelming not knowing what to look for. This is why I’m here to help! I will bring you a comparative market analysis that shows what other comparable homes have sold for in the area, what the near by schools and transit routes are like, and more to help assist your decision making. 

A little can go a long way

When it comes to small cosmetic upgrades like new carpets or paint, a little can really go a long way. Maybe the hot pink bedroom isn’t your style, but don’t let that turn you off of the entire property! This might be your dream home after a couple hundred dollars of paint. When you’re walking through, consider whether a feature you don’t like is something that you can change for a cost that makes sense to you, or is something that kicks the property off your consideration list. 

Keep an eye out for water! 

During showings I will always be looking at the ceiling, cabinet toe kicks and baseboards to catch any pesky water stains. Slow leaks can be huge problems if they’ve been there for years, so it’s something to consider when deciding on a property. While inspections typically are not conducted until after an offer is accepted, most sellers will allow for one prior to an offer, if that’s the route you’d prefer to go. 

Find your dream home….hopefully! 

The best thing about showings is seeing clients faces light up when they know they’ve found “the one”. Not every house will be a home run, but eventually we’ll get there! And that makes it all so worth it. 

So, if you’re like most people and are gearing up for a few showings in the near future, be sure to keep these things in mind. And as always, if you have any questions or need help navigating the process at all, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m here to help make your home buying experience as smooth and stress-free as possible!