A question I hear all the time is, “When is the best time to view a home?”
While it may seem simple, this is a loaded question. The time you choose can tell alot about not only the home itself but the neighborhood and culture surrounding it.
The last thing you want is to move into what you thought was your dream home, then encounter a surprise that gives you second thoughts a little too late.
The best way to avoid these kinds of surprises is
1) Work with a realtor that knows the area, can answer even the silliest questions about the home, and that is willing to work for YOU. That means being willing to ask whoever they need to about any quirks that might be on your mind.
2) Choose ideal times to view the home. There’s only so much you can find out from other people. At some point, you have to experience the home for yourself and decide what matters to you most. Some great times to look at the home you’re considering are…
- When kids are being let out of school. Typically around 2:45-3:45 PM, there will likely be an influx of school traffic that affects your neighborhood. This varies depending on the location you’re looking in, but to some degree, it will always be a factor. This is a great time to see how school traffic will affect the drive in and out of the neighborhood and to the home itself.
- On a rainy day. This is a great time to find out if there are any areas around the property that “pond” or retain water. This time also allows you to see firsthand if there are any issues with the integrity of the roof or a window.
- Before it gets dark. This may seem obvious, but if it’s possible for you to view the home during the day, this is ideal. So many small things can be missed on the exterior or in the yard that will “come to light” eventually. Maybe you check out the house twice, once during the day and at night, to get the full experience…but if you have to choose one, definitely go for a daytime showing.
Another tip (if you can work it into your schedule) is to make the drive from the home to work or a place you go regularly during the week. Traffic in the mornings and evenings can vary alot in different areas and it’s an important factor to consider when making your decision.
If you’re having doubts or feeling like you still need more information about a home, give us a call! We’ll help walk you through different aspects of your day and how a new home plays into that. At Griffin Realty Group, we consider every need you have and make sure to give you all the information you need about the area and home you’re looking at. If you want a realtor that’s on your team, we’d love to be a part of your journey.