When searching for a home, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with information and to forget the details of each particular home you’ve viewed.

This is why on our tours we provide property detail sheets for each of the properties we visit.  We suggest that you note the highlights and/or negatives on the sheets as we look at each property.  Additionally, it’s a good idea to compare properties and produce a favorites list as the tour progresses, so that at the end of the tour you have two or three properties that represent the best you have seen. 

For example – compare property 1 and property 2.  Property 1 is the better property for you.  Then visit property 3 and compare with property 1 and property 1 is still the best but property 3 is second.  Then go to property 4 and compare to property 1 etc

At the conclusion of the tour you will have a property that most closely meets your search requirements (and maybe some runners-up) but that does not necessarily mean that it is the property for which you should make an offer.

We have created the following list to help you with your property decision.  When you view a home, keep in mind this checklist:

• Is there enough room for both the present and the future?
  
  
• Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms?
  
  
• Do you like the floor plan?
  
  
• Will my furniture fit in the space? Is there enough storage space? (Bring a tape measure to better answer these questions.)
  
  
• Imagine your furniture/belongings in the house (look “past” the sellers furniture and fittings)
  
  
• Imagine the house in good weather and bad, and in each season. Will you be happy with it year 'round?
  
  
• Take detailed notes, take pictures, and make a video – anything to help you remember as much as you can. (Be sure to first secure the permission of the owner before photographing or taking video.)
  
  
• Is the yard big enough?
  
  
• Do you need to consider the schools for your family needs
  
  
• How close is the property to your work, freeways, transit systems?
  
  
• If the owner or the owner’s agent is present during your viewing of the home, don’t say too much about your likes or dislikes.
  
  
• Do the mechanical systems and appliances work?
  
  
• Does anything need to be repaired or replaced?  Will the seller repair or replace these items?
  
  
• Which items require ongoing maintenance (paint, roof, heating and air conditioning systems, appliances, carpet)?
  
  
• What about the neighborhood and the quality of life it affords?
  
  
• Does the home’s style, features and amenities conform to the neighborhood?
  
  
• Are there any potential problems with the home’s electrical or mechanical systems?
  
  
• Does the home appear to have any structural problems?
  
  
• Does the home appear to have any drainage or foundation problems?
  
  
• Take your time and think carefully about each house/property you see. We will point out the pros and cons of each home from a professional standpoint.
  
  
• There isn't a set number of houses you should see before you decide.  As you see more houses/properties you will refine your thoughts regarding wants and needs, refocus your search and you will “know” when you find the right house for you.