San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Ask a Realtor: What to look for when touring a home.
Knowing what to look for when touring a home that’s on the market requires a keen, experienced eye. The process is overwhelming, especially with most home tours happening online these days.
We asked Bay Area Realtors to break down the key qualities to look for when scoping out your potential new home.
“The very top thing to look for: ‘Do I even like the house? And if I succeed in winning it, will it work for me?’” said Astrid Lacitis of Vanguard Properties. “A family with two working adults may find the lack of at least oneandahalfbathrooms — or the space to add one — a real deal killer. Or a family with a young child may absolutely need at least two bedrooms on one floor.”
The neighborhood itself is another key factor, she said.
“How do the neighbors maintain their property? Is there front landscaping or instead is there trash on the street and multiple cars parked in the front concrete apron?”
Jeff LaMont, of Coldwell Banker, said looking for negatives is just as vital as pointing out the positives of any listing.
“I also look for negative traits to avoid in a home. Like: Is the home on a busy street? Is there any airplane or freeway noise?”
He added that it’s important to think about the future as well, like when the time comes to sell the house.
“The buyer has to like the home and area, but I also take into account resale value of the home,” he said.
Emotions also play a vital role, said Karin Cunningham of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “Home buyers need to make an emotional connection with the homes they are touring. Houses become sanctuaries, a place to feel safe and comfortable, when the day is done.”
Greggory OnzoTasher of Vanguard said layout plays a huge role in the livability of a home.
“I look for a layout that would work for me personally,” OnzoTasher said. “‘Could I live here?’ is the first thought that crosses my mind when previewing property for clients.”
Timing represents another key factor, as desirable homes don’t tend to linger on the market.
“In this fastmoving market, you want to try to get as much information in a short period of time as possible. This may be the only chance you get to see it before the deadline to submit an offer,” said Adam Gavzer of Compass. “Considering so many buyers are making offers on homes with no contingencies, you want to balance your time between making sure that the features of the home will suit your needs.”
Lastly, check for aspects of the home that aren’t visible at a glance.
“You want to dedicate some of your time to look ‘under the hood’ to ensure that the structure is sound and will not require expensive upgrades,” Gavzer said. “These include such items as foundation, roof, electrical, plumbing and drainage.”
Buying a house remains an indepth and laborious process. One involving stacks of paperwork, legal disclosures, reports and financial verification. If buyers find themselves overwhelmed by the process, a savvy Realtor can guide them through all of it.