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Tips for a House Tour: What to Focus On and What to Avoid

Wednesday, May 24, 2023 2:09 PM By Koch Properties

Tips for a House Tour: What to Focus On and What to Avoid

Exploring potential homes can be a thrilling experience, especially for first-time homebuyers. The thought of finding that perfect home where you'll create memories for years to come is exciting. However, amidst this excitement, it's easy to get lost in the moment and overlook crucial details about the property before buying it.

That's why it's wise to lay down a list of what you're looking for before setting out to tour the different available homes. Choosing a home is a major decision, and there are many factors to consider. It can be a challenge to know which ones deserve your full attention, but bear in mind that certain factors are essential.

So, whether you're looking for a spacious home in the suburbs or a cozy apartment in the city, we will guide you through the essentials. Remember, everyone has their own preferences, but by paying attention to the essential factors, you can make a wise investment. Keep on reading to discover more!

Things that you should not focus on; Home Buying Process


1.Furnitures and Decor;

When purchasing a home, it can be easy to get caught up in the small things like furniture and decor. However, it's important to remember that these aren't permanent fixtures of the property and should not be the deciding factor when making an offer.

It's the property itself that you're investing in and that will ultimately hold its value over time. 

That being said, once the purchase is complete, you have the freedom to let go of the previous owner's belongings and make the space truly your own.

So, take your time in finding the right property and focus on the long-term benefits rather than temporary details.

2. The Color of the Walls;

Don't let the current wall color of a property deter you from buying it, as it can easily be changed to reflect your personal style and taste!

With endless options to explore, you can transform the walls into something bright and cheerful or more muted and classic.

Besides, a new coat of paint can work wonders to refresh a space and add new life to it. If you're worried about the cost and effort of painting, remember that painting is often an affordable way to make a home feel brand new again.

So keep an open mind when considering a property and focus on what really matters in the long run – that is, the potential of the property and how it can become your dream home with a little love and elbow grease.

3. Small Fixtures and Hardware;

It's worth noting that these elements serve primarily aesthetic functions and aren't particularly instrumental in ensuring the safety or habitability of your home.

However, replacing them offers another chance to tastefully infuse your own personal style into your new abode and make it a true expression of your personality and tastes.

From door handles to light fixtures, small changes can make a huge impact and ensure that your home not only looks great but feels like it is truly yours.

4. Flooring;

Selecting the right floor material for your home is an important decision. While carpeting and hardwood are popular options, there are other factors to take into consideration, such as the longevity, the overall look, the upkeep required, and the potential resale value.

Although the state of the floor can impact a property's value, it's important to note that it can always be updated without much difficulty, so it shouldn't be the deciding factor on whether to purchase a home or not. Aesthetics and personal preferences should also play a vital role in the decision making process to ensure a cosy and inviting atmosphere that reflects your style and taste.

Things That You Should Focus On: Real estate Transaction


1. Location;

When considering purchasing a new property, it's important to remember that location is everything. Not only does it have a direct impact on the value of your home over time, but the area in which it's situated can also drastically affect your overall quality of life.

Take some time to consider whether the property is in a quiet and safe neighbourhood, close to essential amenities such as grocery stores, schools, and hospitals, and whether it has good public transportation connections. All of these factors combine to influence the liveability of the area and can determine its potential for future appreciation or depreciation.

So if you're in the market for a new home, always remember that location should be at the forefront of your decision-making process.

2. Size;

When it comes to choosing your dream property, size matters. Consider not only the number of bedrooms and bathrooms needed for your day-to-day routine but also the potential for comfortable guest entertainment.

Pay attention to the layout because it can help provide adequate privacy and make efficient use of the available space.

A thoughtful consideration of these factors can help you make a confident and informed decision about whether the property is right for you. You want to be sure that you're investing in a space that can evolve and adapt to your changing needs over time.

3. Quality of Materials;

Your home is a valuable investment, making it vital to keep an eye out for signs of decay and damage. Water damage and mould growth, if left unchecked, can become significant financial burdens down the road.

By inspecting the quality of materials used in construction, homeowners can reveal certain things about the home's condition and how it has been maintained over time.

Analysing this information can help ascertain how much money will be needed for future repairs and maintenance. Being proactive can save you from potential troubles and turn your home into a comfortable, long-term space to enjoy with peace of mind.

4. Natural Lighting;

When it comes to picking a property, be sure not to overlook the importance of natural lighting. We don't always realise it, but natural light has a significant effect on our energy bills and environmental impact over time.

By allowing plenty of natural light through windows, skylights, and solar tubes, we can reduce our reliance on electricity and do our part to conserve energy.

It's not just about being eco-friendly either - natural light has been shown to boost our mood and productivity levels, making it a win-win situation all around. Invest in a property with ample natural light and feel the benefits for years to come.

Bottom Line; Advice From Koch Properties Real Estate Agents

When touring homes, it's important to engage all your senses. 

Take in the smell of each room - Try and detect any carpet or mildew odours, over-sanitized rooms, or fresh paint. Is there an unpleasant odour that needs investigating? 

Run your hands along surfaces - are they smooth and well-maintained, or do they need repair? Try the water pressure & temperature; test walls for dampness, floor for levelness, and tiles for slipperiness

Listen - Note noise level in the neighbourhood & inside the home; listen for HVAC sounds and squeaky flooring

Look- Look for water damage, mould, & signs of neighbour proximity. Check natural light & potential red flags hidden under dressings, rugs, etc.

Taste - Give the tap water a sip!

Look closely at the details - are there any signs of neglect or wear?  By noticing these small details, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about whether a home is right for you.

Conclusion - By Koch Properties Real Estate Agent

When it comes to finding the perfect home, it's essential to look beyond just aesthetics! Remember to pay close attention to other important factors such as location, square footage, and layout - these are the things that truly make a house a home.

Investing in a property that satisfies your family's needs for years to come requires a clear plan and understanding of what to look for. Paying attention to these essential factors will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your new home provides lasting comfort and enjoyment.

So take your time, do your research, and find the home that is perfect for you and your family. This is an investment that will pay off for years to come!