In the world of real estate, the average home buyers will visit 10 homes over 10 weeks’ time before they find “the one” — that special place that matches their lifestyle and inspires an offer. Of course, that number can vary widely: Some may fall in love with the first place they see, while others feel compelled to check out 20 plus.

At The Jenn Smira Team, we advise our buyers to visit multiple homes before making such an important financial decision — and we’re here to tell you why. Keep reading to learn the benefits of touring more homes rather than less before you buy!

Want to learn about how you can make your buying offer stand out in a competitive market? Click here to read our blog post on the topic.

Why Should You Visit Multiple Homes?

You Can Get Your Questions Answered

One of the most obvious reasons to go on multiple tours is so you can ask questions about parts of each home that might not be covered in its online profile. Signs of leaks or water damage might not be highlighted in photos, and other indicators of past damage are easy to overlook if you don’t see them in person. By identifying them during a tour, you can find out if repairs have been made or if there are other surprises waiting for you down the line.

Getting ready to head to the market? Explore these blog posts for expert-penned insights about buying a home.

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You Can Identify The Best Match For Your Routine

By touring many homes, you can get a better feel for how each house will actually mesh with your lifestyle and personal preferences. When buying, there’s no substitute for an in-person first impression, which will help you to identify all the little things you love in a home that the photos might have missed — not to mention any aspects that you’ll want to fix up or remove.

You Can Identify And Compare Visible Damage

When touring, there will always be some damages that are easy to see with the naked eye — but some may not be so obvious! Common things to look for would be cracks in the ceilings, walls, or floors that could be caused by a poor or unstable (and maybe even sinking) foundation. You may also find cracks in fixtures and windows. Also be sure to look out for stains on the ceilings, walls, or floors.

These could be indicators of past or present water damage, mold, or excess moisture. Other visible damages may include windows. Some experts even recommend bringing a screwdriver to gently press into all window seals to check for rotting wood! Our advice? Establish a consistent checklist of what to look for when assessing damage, so you can compare all the different properties you see.

Thinking about buying a home in DC? Check out these blog posts for helpful advice.

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You Can Browse Homes At Various Price Points

Before starting your search, it’s a good idea to already have a sense of what you can afford. At the same time, buying usually means relying on a range rather than locking in a set price up front. Just think: If the home of your dreams was listed on the upper end of your budget, wouldn’t you consider stretching a bit in order to make a competitive bid? For that reason, touring multiple homes is a great way to discover which perks come for a slightly steeper price tag — and to discern whether those perks are worth expanding your home allowance for.

Whether you’ve already set off on your homebuying journey or are still weighing your options, enlisting the help of an experienced agent is the best way to curate your wishlist and start exploring properties in your niche.

Get in touch with one of our trusted Realtors today to make moves now! Schedule a buyer’s consultation here or call 202.280.2060.