It’s a big decision—don’t rush it

 

It’s a big decision—don’t rush it

Isn’t it a bit wild that we often decide to buy a home after just one or two short visits? That’s such a huge commitment, and yet, we sometimes make it in under an hour!

That’s why it’s so important to really make the most of each viewing. Use the time to get a feel for how the home flows, notice the little details, and weigh up both the positives and any potential red flags. That way, when it comes time to make an offer, you’re doing it with confidence.

If you’re heading to an open home, it’s easy to get distracted by other buyers walking around. Before you know it, you’ve spent more time scoping out your competition than you have checking the kitchen or bedrooms properly.

To help you stay focused and get the most out of your visits, here are six handy tips to keep in mind:

1. Take note of the sun
This is something people often forget—especially on a cloudy day. You might spend time checking the paintwork and peeking behind curtains, but completely overlook the home’s aspect.

Bring a compass (or use the one on your phone) to figure out where the sun rises and sets in relation to the home. Which rooms get morning sun? What about the afternoon? If it feels dark, could that be improved with some tree trimming or even a skylight?

2. Check the storage (everywhere!)
Storage might not be the most exciting part of a home, but it becomes very important on moving day. Think beyond wardrobes—check under the house, attic spaces, the hot water cupboard, kitchen and bathroom cupboards. Is there a garden shed, or space for one?

3. Have big furniture? Take a paper cut-out
This one sounds quirky, but it works! If you’ve got a big couch, piano, or dining table, cut out a newspaper template of its footprint, fold it up, and bring it along. You can lay it on the floor to get a real sense of how much space that item would take up in the room.

4. Look beyond the surface
Don’t let dated paint, tired carpet, or funky curtains turn you off too quickly. These are easy, cosmetic fixes. Focus on the bones of the house, the layout, and most importantly—the location. Everything else can be changed.

5. Do a night-time drive-by

Swing past the home in the evening—especially on a weekend. Park up, go for a walk, and listen. Are the neighbours noisy? Does the area feel safe and inviting after dark? It's a great way to get a feel for the street when it’s not dressed up for an open home.

6. Just pause for a moment
If you’re lucky enough to be there without a crowd, take a moment to stop and be still. What do you hear? Birds? Traffic? Silence? It’s easy to miss these things in the rush of a viewing, but they’ll shape your day-to-day life in the home.

And if a private viewing isn’t an option, come back at a quiet time, park outside, and take a moment with your window down. It’s a simple way to check how much sound filters through from the neighbourhood.

Thinking of buying? Let’s chat
If you’re ready to start house-hunting, I’d love to help. Let’s talk through what you're looking for so I can keep you in the loop as new homes hit the market.

Need to sell first?
If you’ve got a property to sell, you’re probably wondering what it might be worth. Knowing your likely sale price is key when it comes to working out what you can spend on your next move.

The market has shifted a lot this year, so getting fresh, accurate advice is essential. I can give you a no-obligation appraisal and share ideas for simple, low-cost ways to add value before you go to market.

Get in touch today to book your free appraisal.

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