Touring Homes Checklist

What to do before, during and after a showing or open house.

Scott Gentry

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage · NC License# 365010 · Firm License# C9314

📞 (910) 477-7615✉️ scottgentry@seacoastrealty.com

📅 Date Completed: ___________________🏠 Property Address: ___________________

PHASE 1 — BEFORE YOU GO
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Write down your must-haves and your nice-to-haves A short list of features you can't do without makes it easier to rule homes in or out quickly.
☐	Get pre-approved so you tour homes that fit your budget A pre-approval is based on a lender's initial review. It is not a final loan approval or a commitment to lend.
☐	Read any agreement you're asked to sign before touring Many agents ask buyers to sign a written agreement before touring together. Requirements vary by state, brokerage and MLS. Ask about anything that isn't clear.
☐	Pack your tools: phone, this checklist and a tape measure Use your phone for notes and, if allowed, photos. Bring a tape measure if furniture fit matters to you.
☐	Keep each day's list to a handful of homes Fewer homes per outing makes each one easier to remember.

PHASE 2 — AT AN OPEN HOUSE
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Remember who the host works for The person hosting typically works for the seller (agency rules vary by state). Anything you share, like what you'd pay or how fast you need to move, may be passed along.
☐	If you sign in and already have an agent, mention it It's common to let the host know you're working with an agent.
☐	Like the home? Ask your agent for a private showing A scheduled showing gives you time for a closer look without other buyers walking through.

PHASE 3 — LAYOUT AND SPACE
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Does the layout work for how you live day to day?
☐	Is there enough storage — closets, garage and attic?
☐	Will your furniture fit? Measure key rooms
☐	How much natural light do the main rooms get?

PHASE 4 — SIGNS WORTH ASKING ABOUT
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Water stains on ceilings or walls, or a musty smell Look especially in basements, near crawlspace access and under sinks.
☐	Cracks in walls, ceilings or floors, or doors and windows that stick
☐	Soft spots in floors
☐	Approximate age of the roof, HVAC system and water heater Labels on equipment sometimes show a date.
☐	Fresh paint in just one spot It may be cosmetic, or it may be covering something worth asking about. None of these signs automatically means a problem — they're reasons to ask questions and to have your inspector look closely.

PHASE 5 — LIGHT CHECKS (ASK FIRST IF UNSURE)
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Run a faucet: water pressure and how long hot water takes
☐	Open and close a few windows and doors
☐	Notice whether the home feels evenly heated or cooled
☐	Look for outlets where you'd need them

PHASE 6 — LOOK BEYOND THE WALLS
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Outside: drainage around the foundation, yard, fencing and outbuildings
☐	The street: visit at different times of day and on different days Notice traffic, noise, parking and lighting.
☐	Ask whether the home is in a flood zone and how that may affect insurance A licensed insurance agent can give you quotes before you make an offer.
☐	If school assignment matters, confirm it with the school district directly Boundaries can change. For other questions about an area, official public sources are a good place to start.
☐	HOA or condo association? Ask about dues and rules early

PHASE 7 — SHOWING ETIQUETTE
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Ask before taking photos or video Some sellers allow it for your notes, and some don't. Avoid photographing personal items.
☐	Respect personal belongings Don't open private drawers or handle personal items. Ask before opening closets or cabinets if you're unsure.
☐	Assume you may be recorded — save price talk for after you leave Some homes have cameras or audio devices, and recording laws vary by state.
☐	Leave things as you found them Follow any instructions about lights, doors and pets.

PHASE 8 — AFTER EACH TOUR
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Write notes and rate the home before the next showing
☐	Label your photos by address
☐	List open questions for your agent For example: how long the home has been listed, any price changes, and what the seller's disclosures say, where your state requires them.
☐	Rank the homes you've seen against your must-haves
☐	On your shortlist? Plan a second visit at a different time of day A tour isn't a substitute for a professional inspection — it's how you decide which homes are worth inspecting. General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice.

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