Inspecting houses is a tiring and confusing process. If you look at more than four in a morning or afternoon, you’ll end up with your head in a whirl. And if you look at several new home communities, with three or four model homes each, you may lie in bed that night, trying vainly to remember whether it was the brick ranch, the two-story Mediterranean, or the Craftsman style tri-level that backed up to the busy street. You’ll be totally unable to recall which house or model home had the kitchen with the center island. It can be helpful to take along a Polaroid, video, or digital camera (often an agent has one or can borrow one from the office). Ask the agent for data on each property, and take it back with you. To concentrate fully on the house, take notes when you have finished, possibly when you are back in the car. Jot down your impressions right on the computer printouts, builder brochures, or copies of the listing sheets for the houses you inspect. If you then note the things you disliked about the place or which features really appeal to you, sorting them out later becomes easier. You may want to mark up a street map of the area, locating the houses you view and also noting schools, religious institutions, shopping areas, approximate commute times, parks, and other important items. For your own peace of mind, prepare ahead of time for your house-hunting adventure. If possible, leave the little ones with a friend, relative or sitter for the initial house-hunting trips—at least until you have narrowed down your choices. This will save your sanity, give you more quality time with your agent or for your search, and can eliminate pit-stops and the inevitable boredom that sets in with small children while touring homes. |
