The Ultimate Buyer Showing Checklist
What to look for (and photograph) at every showing so homes don't blur together.
By the third house on a Saturday, the kitchens start to run together and you can't remember which one had the great backyard. This checklist is for buyers who want to walk into every showing knowing what to look at, and walk out with notes they can actually use later.
It's short on purpose: a page of my best showing tips, a page of things to keep an eye out for and a rating card you fill out for each home you see.
Before you get out of the car
Re-read your wants vs. needs list on the way over so it's fresh. It keeps you objective when a house has a gorgeous front porch and not much else on your list. Take a virtual walk down the street online before you go, too. And plan to take photos and video inside, because they'll jog your memory when you're comparing homes days later.
What to look past and what to look at
Decor and staging are easy to fall for, and they leave with the seller. The lot, the lot size and the location stay with the house forever, so give those more of your attention than the throw pillows.
As you walk through, keep an eye out for:
- Signs of structural trouble, like water damage, cracks in walls or ceilings and floors that slope
- Water stains on ceilings and leaks near sinks, tubs and other plumbing
- Damage to the roof, siding, windows or doors
- Noise from nearby roads, businesses, airports or railways
- A layout that fits how you live, with enough storage and rooms that flow, or one that would need renovating
None of these automatically rules a house out. They're the things to point out to me so we can ask the right questions and make sure an inspector takes a close look if you move forward.
Score each home before the next one
The rating card is where this checklist earns its keep. For each address, you note your first reaction (yes, maybe or no), an exterior rating, an interior rating, the pros, the cons and whether you took photos and video. Fill it out right after you leave, before the next showing blurs it.
When it's time to decide, you're comparing scores and notes side by side instead of relying on whichever house you happened to see last. That's what keeps the comparison fair.
Common questions about home showings
Should I take pictures at a showing?
Yes. Photos and short videos are the easiest way to remember details later, especially when you see several homes in one day.
Should I visit a house at night before buying?
It's a smart step for any home on your shortlist. An evening drive-by shows you whether the street feels different after dark, including traffic and noise, which a daytime showing can't tell you.