What should I actually be taking notes on during a house viewing?
Touring multiple houses in one weekend is thrilling, but by the third property, the kitchens and living rooms all start to blur together. Relying on memory is risky when you are making such a massive investment.
To keep your head clear and your facts straight, here is what you should actually be jotting down on your notepad or phone.
1. The Unseen Senses
Photos capture how a house looks, but your notes need to capture how it feels, sounds, and smells.
- Odors: Jot down if you smell heavy air fresheners, pet odors, cigarette smoke, or a musty basement scent.
- Noise levels: Note if you can hear highway traffic, loud neighbors, or airplanes overhead while standing in the master bedroom.
- Temperature shifts: Write down if certain rooms feel unusually drafty, hot, or humid compared to the rest of the house.
2. The Big-Ticket Items
These are the expensive details that will impact your budget shortly after moving in.
- Appliance and system ages: Peek at the tags on the water heater and HVAC system and note the manufacturing years.
- Water pressure: Turn on the shower and kitchen sink, and write down if the pressure is weak or if the water takes a long time to get hot.
- Roof and siding: Make a quick note about the exterior condition. Are there missing shingles or peeling paint that will need immediate attention?
3. Layout Quirks and Practicality
Think about your specific furniture and your daily routine.
- Outlet placement: Note if older homes lack three-prong outlets or if the living room is missing outlets where you would want your television.
- Storage realities: Write down if the closets are actually deep enough for your belongings, as staged homes often make storage look bigger by keeping it empty.
- Cell reception: Check your phone in different rooms and note any dead zones, especially in spaces you plan to use as a home office.
Pro tip: Always write down the property address at the top of your page, and take a quick photo of your notes while standing in front of the house to keep your camera roll perfectly organized.