How to tour a house like a pro in Omaha and the Twin Cities 

Make the most of your homebuying experience by touring an open house with a game plan and a little more know-how. It’s fun to walk around and imagine the possibilities, but it’s also important to have your list of must-haves, be able to do a mini home inspection and show sellers that you’re a serious buyer. With a little more prep work and a keen eye, you can make sure you’re getting a home that aligns with your needs.

Step 1: Itemize your wish list, estimate monthly expenses and get pre-approved.  

Know your price point, must-haves and deal breakers. Most homebuyers usually make a compromise or two when purchasing a home. So, it’s important to prioritize home features based on genuine needs, items that are negotiable and even potential red flags. You’ll save a lot of time and energy if you can make these decisions before any open house.

Think about long-term needs. Your must-haves can also include plans for the future. Would you like to be closer to a school or have a shorter commute? Can you imagine living there for at least 5 years? Answering these questions will help you feel even more confident when it’s time to make an offer.  

Apply and get pre-approved for a mortgage. When you walk into a house, one of the first things the real estate agent will ask is if you’re pre-approved for a loan. It’s a question agents use to see if you’re a serious buyer or just window shopping. Being pre-approved also means that you’ll be able to place a bid sooner if “the one” pops up on the market.  

The process of applying for a home loan and getting pre-approved will also help you crunch the numbers and estimate your monthly mortgage payment. This is why having customized service from a mortgage loan officer comes in handy. Not sure where to begin? We can help.  

Find a buyer’s agent. Real estate transactions usually have two real estate agents, one who works for the sellers and one who works for you, the buyer’s agent. Your agent will negotiate on your behalf, handle the paperwork and can help find homes that suit your needs. Additionally, a buyer’s agent has seen hundreds of homes and can help you keep an eye out for potential issues. How should you choose your agent? Some homebuyers go with a friend’s recommendation, but you can also interview several to find someone you’re comfortable with.  

Look at all potential home expenses. Along with your house payment, you’ll have utility bills, closing costs, maintenance costs, moving expenses and, depending on the neighborhood, HOA fees (Homeowners Association). Luckily, there are easy ways to find these numbers. Many utility companies can provide a monthly average cost for a specific address. For maintenance, the rule of thumb is to budget 1-4% of the home’s value for yearly improvements. Your loan officer and buyer’s agent can also help you determine closing costs to give you a well-rounded idea about your monthly payments.  

Find a better way home

Talk to an expert, find competitive rates and gain the guidance needed to make a confident purchase.

Step 2: Be on a mission during the open house.  

Put on your home inspector hat. A professional should always inspect a home before you sign a purchase agreement. But you can also do a beginner-level inspection to look for anything suspicious. It’s best to avoid assumptions about a home’s condition and take a thorough look at everything.  

• Ask about age. How old is the HVAC, the water heater, the roof and the siding? They all have lifespans and will need replacement at some point, hopefully later than sooner, but it’s better to know and plan ahead. 
• Open all the windows. Do they stick? Is any glass broken? Any signs of major wear could mean a replacement is on the horizon.  
• Open all the doors. Do they stick? Do they creak? Again, you’re looking for small maintenance items vs. replacements.  
• Turn on all the faucets and taps. How’s the water pressure? Does everything drain properly? Do they drip after turning them off?  
• Look for cracks. Cracks by the windows and doors could indicate foundation damage. Foundation repair, as you can imagine, gets pricey.  
• Look for signs of water damage. Signs of water damage include stains and cracks on the ceiling, stains on the basement floor or mildew on a basement wall.  
• Check out the exterior. Are the gutters in good shape? Does the fence need maintenance? Are there cracks near the foundation or through exterior bricks? Will existing landscaping need some TLC or is it ready to be enjoyed?  

Imagine the livability. Does the layout look as good as the photos? Are the room sizes and layout suitable for your needs? Do you have enough natural light in living rooms and working spaces? This is a long-term commitment you’re touring and there’s no consideration too small.  

Engaging with sellers and their agent. The seller’s agent should be able to answer any questions you have for them, especially regarding the home’s history. Be sure to ask about: 

• Recent repairs 
• Major renovations and building permits for each 
• Issues that need to be resolved 

Sellers should always disclose this information, especially any problems they’ve had with the home. Ask for a list of property disclosures if you’re serious about making an offer. If the home was built before 1978, you should also ask for any hazardous material test results.  

Beyond questions about the home specifically, you should also have your agent ask about any existing offers that have been made on the property, along with the seller’s anticipated closing timeline (which will also help you schedule your move). 

Step 3: Your post-open house strategy 

Take a look at the replay. After the open house, don’t make any rushed decisions about putting in an offer. Take a little time to review your list, notes, budget and how you feel about the house. All are valid, so don’t discount one for the other. 

If you’re ready to move forward, talk to your realtor about having a home inspection completed by a professional. This is essential for finding any hidden issues before you commit to the purchase. If any serious problems are found at this stage, you can still back out of the deal or, if they’re fixable, ask the seller to take care of those issues before you close. 

Make a bid. Negotiating is a key part of the homebuying process, and your realtor will help you get the best deal possible. They’ll know what’s realistic when negotiating for a lower sale price or other options that can be added to your final sales package. Work with them to do thorough research on your market to get a better understanding of what similar homes are selling for in the area. 

Skip to the next open house? Every homebuyer usually tours several homes before making a bid (sometimes you’ll know right away if a home isn’t for you). To keep things on the bright side, you should still consider every open house as an opportunity to hone your home shopping skills.    

Finally, we’re always here to help.

Want to chat without feeling pressured? Is your home search months away but you want to start some basic planning? No matter where you begin, no matter what type of home you’d like to purchase, our priority is serving you. The sooner you connect with an ANB mortgage lender, the more we can help you from start to finish. 

Your home is out there. Here’s to shopping like a pro.

Our experienced lenders will find a loan that fits your needs.

Articles contained in our news section are not intended to provide recommendations or specific advice. Consult with a professional when making financial decisions. Once published, articles are not updated; information may be outdated.