How Much Time Should You Spend "Shopping For Homes"?

Figuring out how much time you should spend "shopping for homes" or viewing properties is a little like asking, “How long should I spend trying to shop for that perfect outfit?” I get asked this question frequently when meeting buyers who are looking to hire the best professional for the job.

The answer would seem obvious: As long as it takes to make a decision!

However, buying a home is significantly more complex than shopping and buying that perfect outfit – and the stakes are higher too! Location, price and meeting certain timelines are all important factors. You need to make sure you have a professional working for you to give you the necessary advise to confidently make the best decision. There is a strategy I follow with all of my clients.

There are basically three "search stages" to viewing a property:

1. Macro Search

2. Micro Search

3. Professional Search

When you view a home on a macro basis, you’re looking at it from an overall perspective. For example, you may do a general walk-through to get a first impression and determine if the property has the basic features you need, such as the number of bedrooms, style of property (ie. condo, townhouse, investment property), kitchen requirements and/or backyard size.

Macro viewing is often the fastest stage in the viewing process and can sometimes take just a few minutes.

If you like what you see during the macro stage, then we move onto the micro stage. At this stage, you take a closer look at the property details. You might, for example, spend extra time in the living room imagining how you would arrange your furniture and work with the layout at hand.

The micro stage takes longer simply because the home is now on your shortlist. You’re interested now, need more information and are considering putting forth an offer.

Finally, the professional stage involves getting a qualified home inspector to go over the property thoroughly and detect and disclose all material facts and examine the structural areas of the property. That typically occurs after you’ve made an offer. However, in the Toronto market today, sometimes home inspections are done before placing an offer to strategically position yourself ahead of your competition. This inspection may give you the upper hand while negotiating terms in a multiple offer setting.

Once we outline what your macro needs are, we work on your micro needs. My job is to tailor your search requirements so you only see properties that meet all of your "MUST HAVES" and eliminate any properties that do not meet your specific search criteria. I can help you filter your home search through a very focused manner.

As your REALTOR?, I will guide you every step of the way in order for you to know what is important to look for when buying a home, condo or investment property. This in turn can facilitate you making a smart, informed decision. Call SANDY SOLD today for a complementary marketing consultation at 416-988-0042. www.sandysold.ca