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The home buying process has many steps – some of them more practical and some a bit more fun. Many home shoppers agree: touring a house or a model home in person is one of the more exciting aspects of the journey.
It’s a firsthand opportunity to envision your life in the home. You can experience how the spaces flow together, the overall layout, and the neighborhood, and decide if this house is the best place to call home.
So, what do you need to look for when touring a house? How can you tell if a home is well-constructed? Let’s explore the benefits of a home tour and what you need to look for during your visit.
Alderwood Floor Plan, Traditional Collection, New Seaton Community, Pickering, Ontario
Walking through a home and seeing every aspect in person is an invaluable experience. Buying a home is a major investment, and you want to know firsthand what you’re getting into. During your visit, you can inspect the condition, the floor plan, and overall suitability for your needs. You can examine details that photos or descriptions may not capture, from the flow of the spaces to the quality of the materials.
Dakota Floor Plan, Highland Sage Collection, Alamar Community, Avondale, Arizona
Whether you’re touring a resale home or a builder’s model or move-in ready home, there are some key things you’ll want to notice:
In a resale home, the focus is on assessing the current condition and maintenance of the property. You’ll want to note any wear and tear, potential repairs, and ongoing maintenance requirements. Is the home clean and well-cared for, or do things look neglected?
When touring a model or move-in ready home, pay attention to the materials used, precision of craftsmanship, and overall fit and finish. Do things look smooth and straight, or are there misaligned edges? Every space, including the minor rooms, should be finished neatly and with care. A low-traffic area, like a secondary bedroom closet, should be executed just as perfectly as a high-traffic area, like the kitchen or living room. A high-quality home builder will ensure every space receives the same attention and care.
Carefully inspect the structural integrity, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and appliances. If you’re touring a resale home, find out the age of these components and look for any items that may require repairs or upgrades. If you’re touring a model home, take note of any energy-efficient features and upgraded options and ask if they’re available in your home. A well-constructed home can last a lifetime, so ask about the materials the builder uses in their homes.
No matter what home type you’re touring, you want to envision how your household could live there and what you can do to make it feel like “yours.” Pay attention to the home’s layout and ways you could personalize each space.
By walking through the home, you can assess the flow between rooms, the number of bedrooms, the kitchen layout, and the placement of essential living areas. Being able to picture your family celebrating holidays and living their everyday life can help you feel more connected to the home. If you’re touring a model home, be sure to ask the sales representative what items are included in the home’s base price and what is an optional design upgrade.
Evaluate the neighborhood’s safety, existing and planned amenities, and proximity to schools, shopping, and work. Visit the area in the evening, during the day, and on the weekends to get a better feel of the day-to-day life in the neighborhood. Check out our blog on How to Decide Where to Live for 12 essential aspects you need to consider.
Sufficient storage space is crucial for maintaining an organized and clutter-free home. Assess the storage space you would have with any closets, cabinets, pantry, garage, and basement. You’ll want to notice if you have somewhere that provides easy access for your daily items and areas better suited for long-term or seasonal storage. For some home shoppers, insufficient storage space may be a deal breaker.
Natural light not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a home but also plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. Sunlight has been linked to an improved mood and increased productivity. A naturally well-lit room also feels more spacious and inviting. Added bonus? Natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting, which helps to save energy and reduce electricity costs.
Indoor-outdoor living is a design trend that is here to stay. We want our outdoor spaces to feel like an extension of our home, so we’re creating backyards designed for recreation, relaxation, and entertainment.
Assess the condition, size, and layout of the backyard, patio, or outdoor area. Is there any landscaping or existing amenities, or do you have a blank canvas to create your dream outdoor retreat? Examine the privacy and views to ensure they align with your preferences. A thoughtfully designed outdoor space can dramatically impact your overall enjoyment of a home, so a thorough evaluation is crucial.
Picasso Floor Plan, Single Family Homes Collection, Swan Point Community, Issue, Maryland
Finding the best place to call home is an exciting journey that often begins with touring one of our stylish model homes or move-in ready homes. Choose whichever option is convenient for your schedule: visit our knowledgeable sales team during business hours, where they can guide you every step of the way, or set up a myTime tour where you can tour model and move-in ready homes on your own, on your time.
Mitchell Floor Plan, Villas Collection, Kissing Tree Community, San Marcos, Texas
At Brookfield Residential, we’re committed to serving our customers from day one in their new home journey and beyond. We’re proud to help our homebuyers feel comfortable, informed, and in good hands from the first time we connect to long after they’ve moved into their new home. Our team is continuously committed to doing the right thing, cultivating an exceptional customer experience, and creating the best places to call home.
So why wait? Start your journey to homeownership today with Brookfield Residential! Explore where we build and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!