One of the key steps in the home buying process is touring homes to find the perfect fit. But how many homes should you tour before making a purchasing decision? Did you know that less than 2% of people purchase the first home they see? In this article, we’ll explore the factors to consider when deciding how many homes to tour.
First and foremost, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for in a home. Consider factors such as location, size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, style, and amenities. This will help you narrow down your search and avoid touring homes that don’t meet your needs.
Once you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for, it’s time to start touring homes. It’s recommended to tour at least 5-7 homes before making a purchasing decision. This will give you a good sense of the market and the types of homes available in your desired area.
It’s important to take your time during each home tour and pay close attention to details. Look beyond the surface-level features and take note of the condition of the home, the quality of construction, and any potential issues that may arise in the future. Take photos and notes to help you remember each home and compare them later.
It’s also helpful to have a scorecard for each home. We typically recommend rating each home immediately after touring it from 1-10. If it’s on the upper end, it can definitely be a contender. If it ends up on the lower end of the scale, the home may not be the one for you.
As you tour homes, it’s also important to keep your budget in mind. Don’t waste time touring homes that are outside of your price range or that require significant renovations or repairs that may push you over budget.
It’s important to strike a balance between touring enough homes to make an informed decision and avoiding analysis paralysis. Touring too many homes can become overwhelming and make it difficult to make a decision. At the same time, touring too few homes can lead to regret and a sense of uncertainty about whether you made the right choice. We recommend seeing no more than 8 homes in a day as they tend to begin to blend together after this.
Ultimately, the number of homes you should tour before making a purchasing decision will vary based on your personal needs and preferences. Work with an experienced real estate agent to help you navigate the market and narrow down your search to find the perfect home for you.
Touring homes is an important part of the home buying process. While there is no magic number for how many homes to tour, it’s recommended to tour at least 5-7 homes to make an informed decision. You can always go back for a second tour at your high contenders as well. Take your time during each tour, keep your budget in mind, and work with an experienced real estate agent to help you find the perfect home for you.