Everything You Should Know About Touring a House

Touring a house is like stepping into your future for a test run. Can you picture yourself flipping pancakes in that kitchen or binge-watching your favorite shows in the living room? Maybe cooling off in the pool on a sunny afternoon? Or are there any evident red flags you weren’t aware of?

A home tour will give answers to those and many other questions, and the process can be one of the most exciting ones of the home-buying journey, especially if you are a first-time home-buyer. But making the most of this step will take more than excitement—you’ve gotta have a game plan. 

From spotting the little details to asking all the right questions, there’s much to consider. This guide shows you how to tour a house for sale and helps you determine if that home is truly “the one.”

What Is a Home Tour?

A home tour is like a first date with that house you fell in love with while surfing the real estate listing platform. It consists of a viewing, guided or not, that gives you, the potential homebuyer, the chance to explore the space, confirm it looks like the listing photos, and imagine your life there. 

Be ready to walk through the rooms, get a feel for the layout, and take in the overall atmosphere of the house. You may also have your first encounter with your future neighborhood. Whether you choose to have an in-person or virtual home tour, schedule the visit as soon as possible.  

Types of House Tours

When exploring homes for sale, you’ll find various house tours, each offering unique ways to experience a property of your choice. Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate your options:

Open Houses

Open houses are events hosted by the seller’s agent where a property opens its doors to all potential homebuyers interested in it. You usually won’t need an appointment to attend an open house, nor do the other interested buyers, so you can expect the place to be crowded and distracting, have limited time to ask questions, and lack privacy. 

Private House Tours

For a more personal experience, schedule a private house tour. As its name suggests, it is a home tour just for you. This one-on-one setting allows you to take your time, see the dwelling’s features in privacy, and ask the seller’s agents all the questions you want. 

While it is not required, some real estate agents working with the seller may request proof that the person scheduling a private house tour is a serious buyer with the financial means to make the purchase, like a pre-approval letter or proof of funds. This is more likely to happen in the luxury market.  

Self-Guided House Tour

Also known as a lockbox tour, this form of in-person house tour allows prospective homebuyers to explore the home without the presence of the seller or listing agent. It is an efficient, comfortable, and flexible way to tour your desired house. 

Start by scheduling the viewing with the responsible agent directly or online. Once you have a date and time, you should receive an access code to open the lockbox. Once the key is in your hand, walk through the home at your own pace and in total privacy. This is an excellent option for busy buyers and sellers. 

Online Tour

Highly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, online home tours allow prospective buyers to explore the property of their liking without being physically present. Online tours come in the form of: 

• Pre-recorded videos or slideshow images.
• Simple 360-degree video tours.
• Live video tours with the listing agent.

While online tours have significant benefits, including allowing buyers to purchase a house sight unseen or conveniently tour many homes for sale in record time, they also have their cons. Online tours may not capture all the details buyers want. You also need to count on a reliable Internet connection and compatible devices. 

Virtual Tour

Virtual tours of houses for sale are immersive digital experiences that enable buyers to explore properties remotely. They offer a comprehensive view of a home without the need to be physically present. 

The most recent virtual tours replicate the experience of being inside a property using interactive 3D modeling, high-quality 360-degree images, or VR (virtual reality) technology. Most recent houses for sale virtual 3D tours also have AI-powered enhancements. 

While online tours are typically more linear and less interactive, virtual tours are highly interactive and immersive.

Scheduling Your Home Tour

Once you have your favorite homes for sale, it’s time to learn how to schedule a home tour to see them up close. Follow these easy steps to plan your house viewing with one of our trusted partners at ez Home Search: 

Step #1: In the ez Home Search listing of the property you’re interested in, click the “Tour this Home” button right below the “Ask a Question” red button. 

Step #2: A smaller ‘Request a Tour” window will appear. Pick the most convenient date for you, and select if you would like the tour to be in person or a video chat tour. Then hit “Next.”

Step #3: A new window will open to collect your personal information. Provide your name, last name, phone number, and email address. Also, decide whether you want to be called or texted or have no preference. Hit submit, and you’re all set!

How To Prepare For a Home Tour?

Touring a home for the first time is not exactly an official home inspection, but how to tour a house for sale successfully depends on how well-prepared you are to take the most out of the experience. Here are some considerations: 

Define your priorities

Are you looking for an open floor plan home? Do you entertain often and need a large kitchen or outdoor space? Do you work from home and need a home office? Having well-defined needs, wants, and deal breakers will train your eye on what to look for during your house tour, whether in-person or a house for sale virtual 3D tour. 

Researching the neighborhood is as crucial as touring the home

Once you sign the purchase agreement, you are also committing yourself to the neighborhood, so your first encounter with the home can be a great opportunity to tour it. Many considerations are involved: safety, commute times, walkability, the reputation of the public schools, available amenities, nearby recreation, housing development, the people, the overall vibe, and even the noise levels. Think about your future while there, and remember, your neighborhood will impact your life as much as your home. 

Having a pre-approval letter will give you an advantage

As we mentioned earlier, this step isn’t mandatory but is highly recommended. It not only reassures the seller’s agent that you’re financially capable of purchasing the property, but it also streamlines the buying process, giving you a competitive edge over buyers who haven’t been pre-approved for a mortgage. Being pre-approved, you can also know exactly how much home you can buy, avoiding falling in love with impossibles and improving your focus. 

Have a home tour checklist ready

Experienced homebuyers may not need to follow this tip, but having a checklist before a house tour is crucial for first-time homebuyers. Knowing exactly what and where to look will give you confidence and ensure you don’t miss any critical details. The checklist must include the foundation, roof condition, and exterior walls. Also, pay attention to natural light sources, ventilation, appliances, etc. 

Ask the seller about recent repairs or renovations

Like people, homes have a history. Ask the seller about recent repairs or renovations to learn how the property has been maintained. You can also inquire about who made the repairs, the type of materials used, and whether warranties or guarantees are still in place. These questions can give you peace of mind or reveal red flags, helping you decide between properties.

Think about selling potential

Buying a home is not only about enjoying its space but also its appreciation. No one wants to see one of the biggest investments in their lifetime going to waste. During the home tour, pay attention to signs of equity growth. Resale value factors you can consider include its location, the age and overall condition of the dwelling, and desirable features in your market (flex spaces, bonus rooms, curb appeal). 

Be Prepared With a House Tour Checklist 

Having at least a preliminary checklist will work wonders if this is the first time you are about to tour your first home or if you have toured several properties already. Having this essential guide will help you be organized and sharp, saving time and making you more effective. 

Pro Tip: Once you pass the front door, be polite but not shy. Be sure to try everything inside the house. It’s in your best interest. 

House Features Checklist

[  ] Overall architectural style and curb appeal

[  ] Number, size, location, and layout of bedrooms

[  ] Number, size, and placement of bathrooms

[  ] Closet space and additional storage (e.g., attic, basement, or pantry)

[  ] Number of floors and how easy is the access

[  ] Flow and functionality of the floor plan

[  ] Age and working condition of kitchen appliances and HVAC system

Interior Details

 [  ] Placement and number of light switches and electrical outlets

 [  ] Plumbing functionality: check faucets, toilets, and water pressure

 [  ] Natural light in rooms and potential views from windows

 [  ] Noise levels: external (traffic, neighbors) and internal (creaky floors, thin walls)

 [  ] Stairs: width, safety features, and type of material

 [  ] Porches, patios, and decks for outdoor living

Parking and Neighborhood

[  ] Garage size and parking availability

[  ] Distance and visibility of neighboring homes

[  ] Opportunities for potential remodeling or upgrades

Structural and Exterior Considerations

[  ] Roof and gutter condition (missing shingles, sagging areas, or clogged gutters)

[  ] Visible foundation issues like cracks or uneven surfaces

[  ] Condition of the driveway and walkways

[  ] Mature trees or landscaping that could pose risks (e.g., overhanging branches)

[  ] Signs of water damage in ceilings, walls, or basement

Material and Safety Checks

[  ] Wall and floor condition: check for chips, scratches, or mismatched materials

[  ] Age and functionality of the electrical panel and wiring

[  ] Heating and cooling systems: type (gas, electric, oil) and efficiency

[  ] Presence of pests or signs of infestations (droppings, nests, or gnaw marks)

Tips To Make The Most Out of Touring Homes

Looking for more insights on how to tour a house for sale? Here are some golden tips to get the more out of every house tour: 

• Don’t forget about the exterior: Some buyers give all their energy to the home indoors, but you are also purchasing the outside, so include it in your home viewing. Pay attention to details like the siding, the roof, the pool size and condition (if there’s one, and the landscaping. 
• Take notes throughout the home tour: You already have a preliminary checklist you can use for house touring, but taking notes is another vital tip. If something caught your attention while walking around the home and its surroundings, make a note about it so you can address the issue with the seller’s agent. You’ll have a lot on your mind and can forget details, so hear us out and put it in black and white.
• Check beyond the obvious. Details can tell more than you think. Cracks in the walls or uneven surfaces may indicate foundation issues, while discolorations and musty odors can indicate the presence of mold or mildew. Be attentive to subtle signals that can reveal major complications.
• Picture yourself and your stuff there: It is not only a matter of buying a house that is the best of shapes but also one that feels like home. As you walk through each room, imagine your daily routine—cooking breakfast in the kitchen, unwinding in the living room, or working from your future office. Consider how your furniture, décor, and personal touches will fit into the space.

How Can a Real Estate Agent Help During Your Home Tour?

You can tour any home on your own, but having a trusted real estate agent by your side is always good advice. Your agent brings tons of market knowledge to the table; it’s on your side and has the experience to spot details and potential red flags that may go unnoticed by the untrained eye.

In addition, your agent will most likely be the person in charge of the following buying process (in case you liked the property). They will be in charge of the negotiations, the paperwork, and other details crucial to successfully seal the deal, so bringing them on board from the beginning will give him insights he can use to do their job better. This makes the whole process more seamless for you. 

Being with your agent by your side is also good on the emotional side. Buying a house is exciting, but it’s also an overwhelming process, so you need someone who is always in control, experienced, confident, and well-prepared to help you make the right decision.