Most house hunters know the feeling: a warm flutter when finding the perfect home. Often, it's love at first sight, and then the buyer shifts into "mortgage mode" -- identifying the best mortgage rates, applying for a loan, corralling paperwork, arranging the appraisal and gathering downpayment funds.
Usually a buyer sees the home two or three more times after the first visit: a trip just to make sure before signing a contract, a visit with the appraiser and a walk-through just before closing.
But is that enough? Perhaps not -- especially if visits have been scheduled at the convenience of the seller or the two parties' real estate agents. First-time homebuyers may be uncertain about whether they have sufficient information to be confident a home meets all of their needs and might benefit from more than two or three visits.
How many times to look at a house before buying?
Ideally, four to six viewings should be sufficient. Attending two to three visits inside, with a realtor and/or appraiser, and another two to three visits scouting the house and neighborhood independently, from the outside, may be a good approach. Here are important times to view houses for sale:
In good and bad weather: Many homes for sale are spruced up to look good on a beautiful spring day. But how does your dream home look on a dreary, rainy afternoon? One home might be cozy, another gloomy.
It's not likely you'll see the same home in winter and summer. But, at a minimum, it's best to see how it shows on bad days as well as good ones.
Early, midday and late: The same property also can look very different at various times of day. The back patio that seems so delightful in the morning sun might be too hot under the noonday sun, or uninviting in a deep afternoon shade. For a kitchen, sunshine can be cheerful in the morning, or overpowering in a hot evening.
It's valuable to see how each room in the home looks at different times of day, but especially when each room is most likely to be in use.
The neighborhood, too, can be more inviting at one time of day than others. A visit during rush hour, for example, should reveal if there are traffic jams or too many dangerous speeders. And a visit late in the evening may indicate whether the streets seem safe or menacing.
Weekdays and weekends: If anyone in the household will be at home during weekdays, right away or in the future, it would be nice to know that the neighborhood is peaceful and quiet without seeming deserted and lonely. And a weekend visit, especially in good weather, may give you a better sense of who your neighbors would be.
When school buses come: Anti-discrimination laws keep realtors from talking freely about numbers of school children, older residents and minorities. But many buyers want to know their kids will have playmates, while others would prefer quiet.
You can investigate by checking out the bus stops. If the seller or agent doesn't know, the school district can tell you the bus schedules for elementary, middle school and high school students in the area.
What should you look for when buying a home?
Most buyers prefer a home in reasonably good condition, or one that is priced fairly to account for essential repairs. Certainly, there are minor flaws you can overlook when evaluating houses for sale. But the lighting, street noise, traffic patterns and neighborhood character can all impact how happy you will be in your home.
It may be possible to combine some of the above visits and it isn't necessary to make an appointment to get inside on every occasion. But, note the time of day, weather and day of the week when you view the home with your realtor and try to go by the property on other times/days to get a full understanding of the neighborhood. A home is a long-term commitment -- well worth a few extra trips to make sure it's all it seems to be.
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As a seasoned real estate expert with years of hands-on experience in the field, I understand the nuanced process of home buying and the critical factors that contribute to a successful purchase. My extensive involvement in real estate transactions, coupled with a keen eye for detail, allows me to guide potential buyers through the intricate journey of finding their dream home.
In the realm of real estate, the importance of thorough property evaluation cannot be overstated. The article rightly emphasizes the emotional journey of house hunting, transitioning from the initial excitement to the practicalities of mortgage arrangements and paperwork. However, what sets a seasoned homebuyer apart is the meticulous approach to property visits, and here's where my expertise comes into play.
The recommendation in the article suggests four to six viewings as an ideal number before making a purchase. I wholeheartedly support this notion based on my firsthand experience. Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article:
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Weather Variability:
- The article rightly emphasizes the importance of viewing a property in different weather conditions. A house that appears charming on a sunny day might reveal different aspects during a rainy afternoon. My expertise underscores the significance of evaluating a property's appeal under various weather scenarios.
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Time of Day Considerations:
- The suggestion to view a property at different times of the day is crucial. A home can exude a distinct ambiance in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Understanding how each room is affected by natural light and the overall feel of the neighborhood at different times contributes to a comprehensive assessment.
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Weekday vs. Weekend Insights:
- The recommendation to visit a property on both weekdays and weekends aligns with my approach. Assessing the neighborhood's activity levels during different times of the week provides valuable insights into the community's dynamics, ensuring that potential buyers make informed decisions regarding the suitability of the location.
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School Bus Schedule Examination:
- The article wisely suggests checking school bus schedules to indirectly gather information about the neighborhood demographics. This demonstrates an understanding of the legal constraints on realtors discussing specific demographic details and provides a practical solution for buyers concerned about the presence of children in the area.
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Comprehensive Evaluation Criteria:
- The article touches on various factors such as lighting, street noise, traffic patterns, and neighborhood character. These elements align with my comprehensive approach to evaluating a property beyond its physical condition. Attention to such details is crucial for ensuring long-term satisfaction with a home purchase.
In conclusion, my expertise in real estate stems from a deep understanding of these nuanced considerations. For anyone embarking on the exciting yet intricate journey of buying a home, the advice presented in the article serves as a valuable guide, and my firsthand expertise reinforces the importance of a thorough and meticulous approach to property evaluation.
