Listing photos tell you about a home’s style. A showing tells you about the home itself. Here is how to use your time inside to see beyond the staging and get a real sense of the property.
Start outside
Before you walk in, take a slow look at the exterior. Notice the condition of the roof, the driveway, the landscaping and the drainage around the foundation. In South Florida, look for how the property handles water and how much shade the lot offers in the afternoon. The way a home is kept on the outside often tells you how it has been cared for on the inside.
Walk the layout the way you would live in it
Instead of moving room to room, imagine a normal day. Where do groceries come in? Where will guests sit? Where does the light fall in the morning and in the evening? A floor plan that works for your routine matters more than any finish, because finishes can be changed and layouts usually cannot.
Open, run and listen
- Open closets, cabinets and the garage. Storage is easy to overlook and hard to add later.
- Run the faucets and flush a toilet to check water pressure.
- Turn on the air conditioning and listen to how it runs.
- Look at windows and doors. Impact-rated openings are worth noting.
- Ask about the age of the roof, the air handler and the water heater.
Pay attention to how you feel
Some homes are impressive and some homes are comfortable. The second kind is usually the right one. If you find yourself relaxing as you walk through, that is worth taking seriously, and if something feels off, it is worth asking why.
Take notes before you leave
After two or three showings the details start to blur. Write down what you liked, what concerned you and any questions you want answered. A few minutes in the car afterwards will make your decision much clearer later on.
If you would like a second pair of eyes at a showing, that is exactly what we are here for.