Before buying a home, individuals should tour the property they are interested in. A house may look amazing in the online listing, but not be a good fit in person. The following guide explains three of the elements you should pay attention to when you visit.

What to Focus on During a Home Tour

1. Neighborhood

When considering a home, you should research the neighborhood that it is in. What is its crime rate? If you have or plan to have children, does it have reputable schools? How far will your commute be to work? Once you have satisfactory answers to these issues, use the tour to assess more subjective details. Do you live the view? Do the neighbors seem friendly? Are the local noise or traffic levels acceptable to you?  

2. Layout

While TV shows might make it seem simple to change a house's layout by tearing down walls, this process is often complicated and expensive. To avoid stress, look for a place that already has a floor plan you like. The rooms should be of an appropriate size for your needs and have a flow between them you find logical. If the kitchen feels cramped during a tour, you won’t like using it daily. If you would prefer that your kids' bedrooms be close to yours so that you can reach them quickly, make sure the distance is appropriate.

3. Obvious Damage

Buying a home is a significant investment. If it needs repairs, that can greatly add to the final cost. During your home tour, check for obvious signs of maintenance issues, such as dark spots on the roof from water damage or uneven flooring, which can indicate foundation issues. While a home inspector can identify these problems later, spotting them upfront will save you from going through several steps in the home buying process.

If you need help buying a home, turn to Gilbert Realty. Based in Mountain Home, AR, their team of 35 licensed brokers and real estate agents serves buyers in Arkansas and Missouri, providing in-depth knowledge of the area to help you close a deal fast. To learn more about their current listings, visit them online. Call (870) 425-6282 with questions.