Planning to Tour a Home? 10 Tips for a Successful Home Tour This Summer

1. Prepare thoroughly for your home visit

A successful home visit doesn’t start at the front door, but at home, at the kitchen table. Read the property listing on the website carefully and check off what’s important to you. Consider the number of bedrooms, the location, the yard, the EPC rating, or accessibility.

Have you already contacted your bank? Great. That way, you’ll know right away what your budget is and you’ll avoid any disappointments later on.

Not sure yet how much you can borrow or what a realistic budget is? Then use the handy Immoscoop Budget Tool. With just a few clicks, you can calculate how much you can spend each month, how much you can borrow, and what your maximum purchase budget is. That way, you’ll be well-prepared for your visit and avoid falling in love with a home that’s beyond your financial means. 

Tip! Jot down a few questions beforehand. During a visit, you’re more likely to forget things than you think.

2. Arrive a little early and explore the neighborhood

A beautiful home in a neighborhood that isn't right for you? You often don't realize that until you take a quick walk around. So come 15 minutes early. Walk down the street, check out the parking options, listen to the traffic, and get a feel for the atmosphere.

Is it quiet? Do you see families outside? Are there stores, schools, or public transportation nearby? And why not strike up a conversation with your neighbors? After all, no one knows the neighborhood better than they do.

3. Look beyond a beautiful interior

A stylish kitchen or a trendy bathroom looks fantastic, but don't let that blind you. Also take a look at the home's fundamentals:

• What does the facade look like?

• Has the roof been properly maintained?

• Are the windows still in good condition?

• Do you see any cracks or water stains?

A small crack is usually not a problem. Moisture or structural damage? That warrants extra attention. A beautiful home is nice. A sound home is even more important.

4. Does the home also fit your future plans?

Today, there might be two of you living together. In a few years, there might be four. So ask yourself:

• Is there enough (storage) space?

• Can I work comfortably from home here?

• Is there space for bicycles?

• Can the attic or basement be converted at a later date?

You don't buy a home just for today, but also for tomorrow.

5. Don't forget the practical amenities

When you visit a home, your attention often focuses on the living space. Yet it’s the small, practical details that really determine your day-to-day comfort. So be sure to also check:

• enough electrical outlets

• water connections

• Internet and television connections

• ventilation

• electrical system

• sound insulation

Those details often make a bigger difference than you might expect.

6. Always check the EPC

Especially on hot summer days, you realize how important it is to have an energy-efficient home. That’s why you should always ask to see the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). It tells you much more than just a letter. You’ll gain insight into:

• the insulation

• the type of glazing

• the condition of the roof

• Potential energy-saving improvements

A good EPC score often means lower energy bills and a more comfortable home.

7. Are you buying an apartment? Ask questions

When you buy an apartment, you’re buying more than just your own home. You actually become a co-owner of the entire building.

So be sure to ask about:

• common expenses

• planned renovations

• the minutes of the general meeting

That way, you won't be faced with unexpected costs later on.

8. Take a look at the documents, too

A home has a history, and that often reveals a lot. Ask for documents such as the post-construction file, which keeps track of work that has been done. Permits or other documents from the municipality may also contain valuable information. The better informed you are, the stronger your position will be.

9. Don't forget the purchase costs

Many buyers focus entirely on the asking price. But in addition to the purchase price, there are also registration fees, notary fees, administrative costs, and—if you’re taking out a loan—mortgage costs. Make a list of those costs in advance. That way, you’ll know exactly where you stand financially.

10. Ask questions. Lots of questions.

There’s no such thing as a silly question during a home visit. On the contrary. Ask about the age of the heating system, the most recent renovations, the reason for the sale, or any planned streetwork. The more you know, the better your decision will be. 

Visiting a home is always exciting. Especially in the summer, when everything looks just that little bit nicer. But that’s exactly why it pays to take a critical look around. If you go into the visit well-prepared, you’ll see not only the home’s charm, but also its quality, comfort, and long-term potential. That way, you can turn a good feeling into a well-thought-out investment.

Are you looking for a house or apartment? At Living Stone, we’re happy to guide you through every viewing. We take the time to answer all your questions so you can make the right choice with confidence. Check out our current listings and schedule a viewing today.