Tip: Think about what you like and dislike about homes you have lived in. Review this list with your Realtor®, and use it as a checklist when you are out viewing properties.
2. Keep notes on each of the properties you visit. Request that your RealtorŪ provide you with a print out of the property from the Multiple Listing Service which includes a picture of the property (for easier recall). I provide a convenient guide for each of my homebuyers which allows a comparison of areas, styles, features and prices of the homes visited. As you are driving to the next home, talk and make notes about the home you just left (pros and cons). In addition, if a brochure is available for you to take while visiting the property, make sure you do so.
3. Discuss with your Realtor® your availability for showings as well as how many homes you would like to view per day. For some, viewing more than three or four properties is very confusing and, therefore, not worthwhile. Others find viewing nine or ten a day acceptable. What is comfortable for you? Keep in mind that viewing properties during daytime hours is very important. Yes, it's possible to get the feel of a home at night, but you will not be able to see important exterior features (i.e. roof, condition of siding, etc.) of the home, as well as the neighborhood, at that time of day.
4. Plan to leave children with a sitter during this initial process. It is important to have your full attention going into this major decision. Once a purchase contract is successfully negotiated, most sellers are open to allowing you to bring children back to view their "new home".
5. Take a second look, if possible. Once you have narrowed down your list of favorites, a second look allows for reevaluation.
6. If you plan to take pictures of properties as you tour, communicate your desire to your Realtor®, as permission from the seller is required and must be arranged ahead of time.
7. Wear comfortable clothing. Tip: Many homeowners request that shoes be removed at the time of the showing (especially in winter months). For this reason, wearing shoes that slip on and off would be helpful.
8. Be prepared to make an offer. Often, when least expected, homebuyers walk in a house and KNOW they want that house as their HOME. A strong housing market may not wait for your decision. I suggest that you bring your checkbook (for initial earnest money required at the time you draw up a contract) to every house-hunting trip. Just in case.

With careful planning, good organization and effective communication with your Realtor®, house-hunting can actually be FUN!

©2002 Marge Harris. Publication or use of this article on or off-line without written permission from Marge Harris is prohibited. If you would like to use Marge's articles on your Web site or in your publication, just email Marge for details!

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