Preparing a house tour
When you go to see a house, good preparation is essential. That way, you will make the best use of your time during the viewing. Follow the steps below to be well prepared:
1. Make a checklist for your home viewing.
Good preparation prevents surprises. Therefore, make a checklist for the house viewing with the most important points of interest. Think about the state of maintenance, the location of the house and the facilities in the neighborhood. This way you know exactly what to look for during the viewing and you can ask the real estate agent more specific questions. With this preparation you will discover faster whether the house can become your dream home.
2. Schedule the viewing during the day
Daylight is your best friend during a viewing. Small defects, such as cracks in walls or moisture spots, are much more noticeable during the day. So schedule the viewing during the day and ask if you can open any windows to get a good look at the air circulation in the house.
3. Research the neighborhood before the viewing
The home itself is important, but the neighborhood plays a big role in your living happiness. Therefore, check in advance for nearby amenities such as supermarkets, schools and public transportation. Walk around the neighborhood to sample the atmosphere and ask yourself, "Does this feel like a place I want to live?" Also consider practical matters, such as adequate parking.
Need extra help? homeup offers a search service for first-time buyers that will help you find not only the right home, but also the ideal neighborhood that fits your lifestyle.
4. Bring someone with you for a complete picture at the viewing
During a viewing, you often see what you want to see. An extra pair of eyes helps you look more objectively. Therefore, take someone along who dares to be critical and points out things you might overlook yourself. This gives a more complete picture of the house.
What to check during the viewing
A house viewing is the time to thoroughly inspect the property and ask all your questions. This way you will discover not only whether the house meets your wishes, but also whether there are any hidden defects. With the tips below you will know exactly what to look for and how to be prepared!
1. Take a good look around yourself and inspect all areas
During the viewing, it is important that you carefully examine every detail of the home. Walk through all the rooms, not forgetting the less obvious areas such as the attic, basement or crawl space. By inspecting everything carefully, you will get a complete picture of the condition of the home and can get a good impression of what the home offers.
Tip: Bring a notebook and phone to take notes and photos of specific details.
Pay attention to the state of maintenance
Home maintenance often gives a good idea of how the previous owner took care of the house. For example, pay attention to the walls, ceilings and floors. Do you see cracks, moisture spots or damage? Also check the windows and doors: do they close properly, without sticking? A well-maintained home can save a lot of money in the long run. So also pay attention to possible overdue maintenance.
Check insulation and energy efficiency
Good insulation can save significantly on energy costs. Check for double glazing and inquire about the insulation of walls, roof and windows. This not only reduces energy costs, but also makes for a more comfortable living environment. Ask the seller or real estate agent about any energy-saving measures that have already been implemented.
Consider a building inspection. With a construction technical inspection from homeup, you get a clear report of all construction aspects of the home. This prevents unpleasant surprises and provides valuable information for negotiations.
Check window frames for wood rot and paintwork
Window frames can wear out quickly, especially wood frames. Watch the paintwork and look for signs of wood rot, such as soft spots or discoloration. Bad window frames can lead to moisture problems and are often expensive to replace. Also check that the window frames fit properly to the walls and there are no gaps.
Tip: Window frames in good condition reduce the chance of moisture problems and provide better insulation. If there are problems, you can include this in the price discussion.
2. Ask questions of the seller or broker during the viewing
Asking questions during a house tour is essential to getting a complete picture of the home. Focused questions help uncover details you might overlook, and prevent surprises afterwards.
Ask about maintenance history and defects
The maintenance of a home tells you a lot about how the previous owner took care of it. For example, ask when the roof was last repaired, if there was recent painting, and if there are any known defects. That way you can quickly find out more about any hidden costs.
Inquire about previous and planned renovations
Remodeling can affect the value and enjoyment of a home. Ask about renovations that have already been performed, who performed them and whether permits were granted. It is also wise to inquire about any planned work in the neighborhood that may affect your enjoyment of living.
3. Take photos during the viewing for later.
Taking pictures during the viewing is smart. That way you can review everything at your leisure later and compare it to other homes. It helps you keep a clear picture of important points such as maintenance, layout and overall condition of the home without time pressure. Also take photos of areas that are less clearly captured in the online listing, such as the bathroom, central heating system and any defects.
Photos are also useful to share with your buying agent later, so you can analyze together whether the home meets your needs and desires.
Tip: always ask permission to take photos, especially if you plan to capture all the rooms in detail. That way you avoid inconvenience and leave a good impression with the seller.
Are you finding it difficult to get a clear overview of all the points of interest you're capturing? See our viewing assistance for professional support, where we go over all the rooms and photos together to make sure you don't miss a detail.
4. Consider opportunities for home preservation.
During the viewing, it can be helpful to look at sustainability options. An energy-efficient home not only provides a comfortable living environment, but also saves significantly on energy costs. For example, look at wall and window insulation and ask about the home's energy performance. Check for solar panels, double glazing or floor insulation. These sustainable features increase the value of the home in the long run.
Tip: ask the real estate agent or seller about energy-saving measures that have already been implemented. This may also affect your mortgage options, as some banks provide extra advantageous financing for sustainable homes.
What to do after the viewing
After a house viewing, the real work begins: weighing your choices and taking important steps. Think about a second viewing, a technical inspection and preparing a cost estimate. The tips below will help you make an informed decision and prepare you perfectly for the next step!
1. Consider a second viewing for extra security
A second viewing helps you look at the house with fresh eyes. Often more details stand out on a second visit, especially in terms of maintenance and room layout. During this visit, take the time to recheck key points and discuss any doubts with the real estate agent. This is also a good time to bring someone along for an objective opinion.
2. Get a building inspection
A building inspection can be very valuable for older homes. Such an inspection reveals hidden defects and provides insight into the cost of necessary maintenance. Ask for a detailed report detailing defects, such as the structural condition of the foundation, insulation and general construction. This report can help you in price negotiations and provides valuable information about the home's construction background. This will give you a complete picture of the quality and possible maintenance costs.
3. Make a cost estimate for maintenance and renovations.
It's smart to list the expected costs for modifications and improvements. Think about painting, roof repairs or replacing the central heating boiler. This cost report will help you make a realistic estimate of the total investment. This way you can avoid surprises and prepare your finances properly.
4. Make an offer based on your findings
Have you found your home and gotten a good impression during viewings? Then it is time to make an offer that does justice to the condition of the house and any future maintenance costs. Based on your findings and the structural inspection, you can make a well-informed offer. Include any defects and planned renovations in your offer, so that you are in a strong position in the negotiations and well prepared to move in later.
Frequently asked questions about a house tour
Do you have questions about viewing a home or want to know more about what to look for? Whether you're viewing a house for the first time or already experienced, good preparation helps you make the right choices. Here we answer the most frequently asked questions about viewing a house, so you can be sure not to overlook anything.
Is your question not listed? Then feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you further!
What are good questions to ask at a viewing?
During a home viewing, you want to ask pointed questions to get a good idea of the home. For example, ask about any defects and maintenance history. Inquire if there are any specific installations, such as an underground tank, that could cause future costs. Also ask who has lived in the house before and why they moved. This will provide insight into the condition of the home and possible areas for improvement.
What do homebuyers pay attention to during viewings?
Home buyers pay particular attention to the condition of the house, such as possible defects and overall structural condition. During the home viewing, it is important to also pay attention to details, such as insulation, windows and doors, to get a good impression of the house. Many buyers also view the neighborhood to make sure they will feel at home.
What should you look for when bidding on a house?
When bidding on a house, it is important to include all aspects of the viewing. Consider the state of maintenance and any costs for repairs. After you view the house, you will have a better idea of what price is realistic and what is still needed to live there. Don't forget to take into account renovation plans or defects noticed during the viewing. That way, you will go into the bidding process well prepared.
What does it cost to view a house?
Viewing a house is often free, especially on the first viewing. With some buying agents, multiple viewings are included in their service package. Do you want a technical inspection or an architectural specialist? Then you usually pay for this separately. An estate agent may also charge you for extra guidance and advice during viewings.
How many times are you allowed to view a house?
You usually get to view a home as many times as you want, depending on the seller and real estate agent. A second viewing can be helpful to get an even better impression of the house. When interested in a house, it is often advisable to schedule multiple viewings to make sure the house meets your needs.
