When I go to a showing, what should I look for?

• The most important thing is not look at a house emotionally, but practically: inspect all its positives and negatives.  Don’t allow a broker to get you caught up in any drama.
• Explore every nook and cranny.  Pick up rugs to examine the floor.  Open closets.  Do whatever is necessary to find out everything about the house’s basic structure. 
• Try to ignore any furnishings that don’t come with the house.  They won’t help you make a sound decision.
• On your first showing you should look for a house that meets your basic requirements:
  1. Is it in the right location?
  2. Does it have enough bed and bathrooms?
  3. Is there enough storage space?
  4. Is there parking?
  5. Is it in a safe area?
• If the house meets your basic requirements, start looking to fulfill your wish list:

1. Is there an extra bed or bathroom?
2. Is there a double vanity in the second bathroom?
3. Is there a garden or deck?
4. Is there a separate laundry room?
5. Is there a basement or crawl space?
6. Is the garage attached?
7. Can the kids walk to school?
8. Is there a wood-burning fireplace or a gas fireplace?
9. What is the condition of the house – its appliances, roof, foundation, walls, mechanicals, wiring, etc.?
10. Start with the general, and then move on to the specific

• If you’re still having trouble deciding, you might want to apply a simple rating system, such as assigning points according to the items most important to you.  This should help you objectively differentiate among your choices.