As a home buyer, touring a home that you are considering to purchase is thrilling. With every tour comes the promise that you may very well be walking through the place where you will be living one day. While this is an exciting time, it is important to remember that, unless the home is brand new, it is still someone else’s home. Keeping this in mind, here are a few do’s and don’ts that home buyers need to remember during their next property tour in Sioux Falls:
Don’t Bring a Group
Bringing along relatives or friends may seem like a good idea, but they can become distracting. Too many outside opinions can cloud your judgment and can take away from what you are looking for in a home.
Do Pretend the Owner Is There
The chances are high that, while the homeowner may not be present, he or she is still watching your tour in some capacity. Surveillance cameras are growing in popularity as they are an easy way for homeowners to make sure that buyers do not damage their property. In addition, surveillance cameras provide homeowners with some insight into what people like and do not like about the home.
Don’t Take Pictures Without Permission
While having a phone in-hand for photos has become the norm in today’s society, when you are touring a home, you are on someone else’s property. Be sure that you have permission from the homeowner to take photos and do not share the photos on social media until the home is under your name.
Do Arrive on Time
Because this is someone’s home, they usually have to plan their days around showings. Respect the homeowner’s time and arrive when you are supposed to so that the homeowner does not have to rearrange his or her schedule.
Don’t Use the Bathroom
While there are exceptions for emergencies, it is important to use the restroom before a showing. Owners have different bathroom-use preferences, and some may prefer if you wait until you are no longer in their home.
Do Get Creative
Your style may not match the homeowner’s, but style is not a good reason to say no to an otherwise perfect Sioux Falls home. Use your imagination and try to think about how your style preferences would look in this home versus how much you dislike the current decorating style.
Don’t Get Personal
Treat the home you are touring like a Sioux Falls museum. While it is okay test things like faucets, do not touch personal possessions or sit on beds. A good rule of thumb is that if you would not want a stranger touching your things, a stranger probably does not want you touching their things.
Do Watch Your Children
If you have to bring your children with you to a property tour, be sure to carry them or hold their hands throughout the tour. This is to avoid any accidents or property damage.
The benefit to following these do’s and don’ts is that you leave a good impression. This makes a seller more willing to work with you versus a buyer that did not respect their home and increases your chances of finally being able to utter the phrase, “Home sweet home.” \
