When looking for a new home did you ever wonder if there was a science to finding the right house? Sorry but there is no magic formula. No matter what your stated "needs" are in buying a house emotions kick in when you find the place you want to call "home". But, let me give you some guidelines for touring a home to help you make a smart decision.

 

1. HOW TO TOUR A HOUSE FOR SALE

    Park across the street from the house...

    Take in the whole house...

    Including looking to the left and right

    What do the neighboring housing look like?

    Where are cars parked?

 

2. PARKING

    Do you need a special permit to park on the street?

 

3. THE FRONT DOOR

    Is it in good condition? Hidden? Light?

 

4. FRONT ENTRY 

    Is there one?

    A coat closet?

 

5. THE FLOORPLAN - MAIN FLOOR

    Do you like the way the house is layed out?

 

6. BEDROOM LEVEL - DOES THE NUMBER OF BEDROOMS/BATHS SUIT YOUR NEEDS?

    Linen closet? 

    Adequate closet space? 

    Is there a master bathroom? 

    Is the master bedroom near or secluded from the other bedrooms?

    Does noise easily travel to the bedroom space from the more public areas?

 

7. BASEMENT - CAN YOU STAND UP IN IT?

    Any windows?

    Access to the exterior?

    Smells? Musty? Moldy?

    Signs of water leakage?

    Access to utilities? Easy or Hard?

 

8. THE YARD -TOO MUCH, TOO LITTLE OR JUST RIGHT!

    What shape is it?

    Is the driveway shared?

    Is it flat? Terraced? Hilly?

    What noises do you hear?

    Are there any easements?

    Is it fenced? Partially or fully?

    Where is the yard? Back? Side? Front?

    Has it been well tended or needs work?

    How do you access the yard from the house?

    How do the neighboring yards mix with the property's?

    Sometimes it is easier to find the right house than the right lot.

 

9. OVERALL IMPRESSION - DO YOU JUST "LOVE IT" OR WANT TO "LEAVE IT"?

    Does it have the porch you've always wanted?

    And the garage you've always put on your wish list?

    Is it a street so beautiful it could be on a magazine cover?

    And, the price is below market. If you don't buy it, I will. If not, on to the next property!