Step 5 to Buying a Home: Time For Showings!

You’ve found properties on the MLS you’re interested in seeing, We’ve set up your showings and we head out soon to see them!  Before we head out here are a few important things to know:

• • Most sellers require you are pre-approved before being able to see their home.
  • All showings are pre-booked so you can only see the home on your scheduled time which is usually around 15-30 mins in length. If you are late for the showings, you may not be able to see the property reserved for the time you missed and we will move to the next one. Please call ahead (2 hours notice is advised) if you are running late so we can advise the seller on time.
  • Sellers usually require 24 hours notice prior to showings. They may also put other limitations on showings such as no showings after 6pm or on Sundays, etc.  
  • Wear comfortable slip on shoes as we may be asked to remove our shoes before entering homes.
  • If a lot of sunlight is important to you in a home, then try to do showings during daylight hours.
  • Dress for the weather.   The walkway or driveway may be snowy, icy, muddy, etc.  The house may or may not have AC or heat.
  • Vacant houses may not have any utilities turned on.
  • Foreclosure homes may not be able to see inside but just walk on the lot.
  • Tenanted homes may need 24 hours but not let you in at the last minute.
  • Don’t assume we’ll be able to use the restroom so plan accordingly.
  • Focus on the property not their furnishings, artwork, etc. as you’re buying the property not their stuff.
  • Avoid touching furniture or personal items as we don’t want to be responsible should something break.
  • Remind children not to play with the toys and things they see in the house. Sometimes it’s easier to focus on the home hunting when you’re not distracted with kids if you can leave them at home.
  • The home inspection comes AFTER a contract is agreed upon and signed by both the buyer and seller.   During a typical showing we should not be in the crawl spaces, attic, etc.
  • Taking pictures are not encouraged as sellers may not allow it for privacy reasons. If you want to take pictures or videos, it is advisable to look at what’s on MLS instead. Never take pictures or videos without permission.
  • Some sellers will have Nanny Cams in their homes so be aware of what you say and do.  Don’t talk about how much you can afford, what kind of offer you want to make on the home, etc. while in the house in case someone is listening.
  • If sellers are home, be careful not to give too much away about yourself and why you’re buying as that information could hurt us later during the negotiation process.
  • Bring drinks and snacks as looking at lots of homes can be grueling! Some listing agents will not allow drinks or snacks during a home showing to avoid accidental spills. Please advise us ahead if you are bringing children and they need to get snacks in between showing so you can give them their snacks before or after showing.
  • Please advise if you’re planning to see homes that have open houses so we can give you are cards to give to the attending agents. That way, they will not bother you looking at homes. If they asked you questions regarding your interest on the house, please refer them back to us as anything you say may hurt you on the negotiating table should you decide to put an offer on the property you visited.

Generally the day before we are scheduled to look at home we will email you an address of where we are meeting and when.

Now let’s go see some homes!