Do you like being under a microscope? Well get used to being scrutinized when you’re trying to buy a home. Your behavior can sway sellers to bestow their precious home on you—or pass you up for someone nicer or way less annoying.
But don’t worry (APP) is here to help! Just be sure to follow these unwritten rules of house-buying etiquette to stay in the good graces of all involved.
Be punctual
You’re mom used to tell you this one, right? If you have an appointment with your Realtor, respect his or her time. If you’re running late, call, but don’t make a habit of last-minute schedule changes. Agents have plenty of other clients they could be working with. Also, if they’ve asked a seller to leave the house for your showing, your tardiness makes both you and your agent look bad. Enough said.
Remove your shoes
Whatever “shoe rules” you have in your home are null and void elsewhere. So when in doubt, ask if you should remove your shoes upon entering anyone’s home.
Don’t bring an entourage
You may want to save that for once you’ve narrowed down your choices to your top two to three properties. Sometimes, too many opinions can be confusing and overwhelming, and add unnecessary time to the property tour.
Ditto when it comes to little ones. Ideally, you don’t bring your children with you when going to view a house. If that isn’t possible, though, don’t let them wander anywhere they want. There are always potential safety issues. And it’s just rude.
Ask permission before taking photos
Want to take a few pictures or shoot some video to help you remember all those small details? Ask first there might be concerns about privacy that you’re not aware of.
Don’t linger too long
Just how long is long enough to truly take in a home? While there’s no formal rule, anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes is typical for a first showing.
Taking a bit longer may be OK, but remember: You can always go back for a second showing but beyond two visits, when exactly are you at risk of being considered a stalker? See our next point…
Avoid excessive multiple visits
One, two, or even three visits is typically acceptable prior to making an offer, Ameer says. If you must return more than that, make sure this is a home you are seriously considering.
All those visits are not only an inconvenience, but they could also make a seller extremely anxious, especially if a buyer comes to the house five times and is never heard from again. Remember, you will have inspections and access to the home again, so don’t waste a seller’s time with too many visits.
