Visiting a listed home in person and checking it out in detail will tell buyers whether or not it’s “the
one.” If it is, it’s time to make an offer.
But let’s take a couple of steps back. What exactly does that buyer visit look like, both in terms of the
buyer’s and seller’s perspective? More specifically, will buyers have more opportunities to visit the
home before sealing the deal?
Buyers will be happy to know that they’ll be able to take a couple more looks at the home they’re
buying, even after they’ve put in an offer. Each visit is meant to accomplish slightly different things.
Let’s get into more detail about these buyers’ visits.
The First Buyer Visit
Generally speaking, buyers are given a one-hour time slot within which to pursue the home and check it out in great detail.
The goal of this visit is ultimately for the buyer to plan their future move. For instance, it’s customary to take measurements so buyers can order the right size furniture for their new space. Or, if they already have furniture, taking measurements will give them the information they need to decide if what they currently have will work, or if they need to purchase new pieces.
If the home requires renovations, a new paint job, or any other updates, this first visit will give buyers some time to make note of what changes need to be made and plan accordingly. They can use the information gathered to determine the materials needed and look into the costs for such changes.
Buyers can also use this first visit to get familiar with basic home maintenance issues. For instance, buyers can ask sellers questions related to the age and condition of the furnace and A/C units, as well as how they should be properly maintained. The current owners may have some important information about companies they deal with to maintain and repair these units.
During this visit, the buyer may want to bring along family members who may not have had the opportunity to join in on the first showing. They can provide the buyer with their input and opinion about the home and help the buyer come up with important questions to ask the seller that they may not have thought of.
The Second Buyer Visit
Just before closing, the buyer will have another opportunity to visit the home. This visit is typically booked within a week of closing time, which gives the buyer the chance to make sure the home is still in the exact same condition as it was when they first agreed to buy the home. The buyer can also verify that all of the fixtures and other items that are supposed to stay with the property as per the agreement are still there, and that nothing else has been added, either.
Buyers can also use this visit to remind themselves of where everything is to help them come up with a plan for a smooth transition into their new home.
For example, if the sellers were asked by the buyer’s agent to make sure that all light bulbs are in working condition, the buyer can use that pre-closing visit to make sure they’re indeed still working. Or, if the buyer asked that any missing smoke or carbon monoxide detectors be installed, this visit can be used as an opportunity to ensure these additions have been made.
That said, this is not a home inspection visit, despite certain “inspections” being made, such as those just listed. A home inspection should have already been conducted at this point. You can’t ask the Seller to fix items that were not agreed upon with your accepted offer. Instead, this second visit is meant to help buyers plan their move into their new home.
Sellers may also need to be prepared for a few questions from the buyer, such as the following:
What is your current utility bill and your consumption? The answer to this question will help buyers budget appropriately for the monthly expenses they’ll be paying when they take possession of the property.
Do the appliances have current or existing warranties? If so, the buyer will obtain that information for future use.
Have there been any issues with the home since the deal was finalized? Hopefully not, but it’s always good to know.
Where are the water shut-off valves? You’ll want to know where these are in case of a burst pipe. They can be tough to find if you don’t know where to look.
Will anything be left behind? Only the items agreed-upon in the purchase agreement should be left; everything else should be taken.
Are there any leftover paint cans or flooring swatches? If you ever need to patch anything up in the future, having these on hand can make it easier to match the colours.
Each property is different. As such, buyers may have different questions during their second visits. For turn-key properties, for instance, there usually aren’t many questions. Instead, these visits tend to be rather straightforward and involve little more than taking measurements for furniture, having family members check out the home, and other fun stuff.
On the other hand, there will likely be more questions and coordination with fixer-uppers. For instance, buyers will likely use every opportunity to bring in contractors, designers, architects, and other professionals to the home to help them come up with a plan to upgrade the space into what they envision.
For condos or condo townhouses, buyers use their second visits to get a sense of the amenities, elevator booking procedures, registration with management after occupancy, and a general visit to the unit for some measurements. It’s important to note, however, that buyers will not have access to the condo’s amenities until they become official owners. This second visit only provides an opportunity to gather some information about them.
If you’re a buyer, these visits might sound somewhat overwhelming. But they won’t be thanks to our buyer specialist who will be there with you and walk you through the list of to-dos and get the most out of your buyer visits.