Figuring out how much time
you should spend viewing properties for sale is a little like asking, “How long
should I spend trying on shoes?”
The answer seems obvious:
As long as it takes to make a decision!
Buying a home is significantly
more complex than purchasing shoes – and the stakes are higher too! You need to
make sure you have all the information necessary to confidently make the best
decision.
There are basically three
stages to viewing a property:
- Macro
- Micro
- Professional
When you view a home on a
macro basis, you’re looking at it from an overall perspective. For example, you
may do a general walk-through to get a first impression and determine if the
property has the basic features you need, such as the number of bedrooms and
the size of the backyard.
Macro viewing is often the
fastest stage in the viewing process and can sometimes take just a few minutes.
If you like what you see,
then it’s onto the micro stage. At this stage you take a closer look at the details
of the property. You might, for example, spend extra time in the master bedroom
imagining how your furniture would look and fit.
The micro stage takes
longer simply because the home is now on your shortlist.
You’re interested and are
considering making an offer. Finally, the professional stage involves getting a
qualified home inspector to go over the property with a fine tooth comb. That
typically occurs after you’ve made an offer.
A REALTOR® will guide you through a viewing so you’ll know what
to look for and can make a smart, informed decision. Call your local REALTOR® today.
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