Viewing Homes For Sale As A Buyer
If you are in the market for a new home, have you stopped to ponder if you truly know how to shop for a home? Scheduling and viewing homes for sale as a buyer is an essential part of the process, although some people find it to be time-consuming. Here’s how to make the best of it.
Working closely with a Realtor can help streamline scheduling, ensure you have all necessary information before stepping into a home, and allow you to make informed decisions about your potential purchase.
» Setting Up Showings with Your Realtor
Scheduling a showing involves coordinating multiple parties, including:
- You (the buyer)
- Your Realtor
- The seller’s agent (if they need to be present per seller’s instructions)
- The seller (if the home is occupied)
To make the scheduling process smoother:
- Plan ahead – Try to give at least 24–48 hours’ notice for showings, especially for occupied homes. If the home is in “coming soon” status, schedule your showing with your agent asap to make sure you get the times/dates you want!
- Be flexible – Some homes have limited showing availability, so having alternative time slots can be helpful.
- Confirm details – Ensure you know the exact time and address.
» What to Do Before Viewing a Home in Person
Before stepping inside a home, take these steps to maximize your efficiency and ensure the property meets your needs:
- Review Property Disclosures
- Seller’s Disclosure Statement – This document outlines known issues with the property, including past repairs and any current defects.
- Local Truth-in-Sale of Housing (TISH) Reports – Required in some Minnesota cities, these reports highlight key issues a home inspector might flag.
- HOA Disclosures – If the home is part of an association, review its rules, fees, and any potential restrictions.
- Check the Aerial Map & Neighborhood – Before scheduling a showing, use Google Maps to:
- View the aerial map to assess nearby features like busy roads, train tracks, or commercial areas.
- Use Street View to get a feel for the neighborhood.
- Look at commute times and accessibility to amenities like grocery stores, parks, and schools.
- You can even check Google to see if there is any posted “history” on the home or property.
- Drive by the Home (If Possible)
- Check out the home’s curb appeal and exterior condition.
- Evaluate the street parking situation and neighborhood vibe.
- See if the home’s proximity to schools, highways, or businesses is comfortable for you.
- Review the MN Sex Offender Registry
- Minnesota law does not require sellers or Realtors to disclose if a Level 3 sex offender lives nearby—it is up to the buyer to research this information.
If you find concerns about any of the above, discuss them with your agent before setting up a showing.
» Tips for Attending Home Showings
To ensure a respectful and productive visit, follow these etiquette tips:
- Be Prepared for Home Viewing
- Wear easily removable shoes – Many sellers request that visitors remove their shoes to protect floors.
- Bring a notepad or use your phone for notes – But avoid taking photos unless explicitly allowed by the seller.
- Keep children under close supervision – This is especially important in homes with valuable or fragile items.
- Respect the Seller’s Property
- Do not sit on or touch personal belongings.
- Only open closets and cabinets if they are part of the home sale (avoid private drawers or furniture).
- Refrain from using the bathroom unless necessary.
- Ask Questions but Save Deep Discussions for After the Showing
- Your Realtor is there to answer any questions, but avoid extensive negotiations inside the home. Save in-depth conversations for after leaving the property.
- Consider Virtual Showings
- While in-person showings are ideal, virtual tours can be an option if you’re out of town or unavailable.
- Keep in mind that online tours may not capture important details like odors, flooring conditions, or neighborhood noise levels.
» Final Thoughts
Viewing homes is an exciting step in the home-buying process. By working closely with your Realtor, doing your research ahead of time, and following proper showing etiquette, you’ll have a smoother and more productive home search experience.
For additional guidance, check out these helpful resources:
- Minnesota Predatory Offender Registry – Check for registered offenders in the area.
- Google Maps – View aerial maps and explore the neighborhood.
- Minnesota Association of Realtors – Learn about Minnesota real estate laws and best practices.
By preparing in advance and respecting the process, you can make informed decisions and find a home that truly fits your needs. Happy house hunting!
This blog was written using Chatgpt and a human Realtor reviewed it for accuracy! We hope you enjoyed it!