House viewing checklist: 9 practical tips
Last updated on February 19, 2025
The house visit is a key step in the buying process. Aspiring homeowners have the opportunity to assess a property’s general condition and also judge whether it will meet their needs. We have some tips to ensure any viewing runs smoothly so that future homeowners can make the most suitable choice.
Overview:
- Read the house listing information carefully
- Take a virtual tour of the neighbourhood
- Prepare your questions in advance
- Be open-minded
- Be polite and friendly with the owner
- Take a full tour of the house
- Evaluate any work that needs to be done
- Listen for any noise pollution
- Take plenty of notes
1. Read the house listing information carefully
Before scheduling a visit, browse the online listing first. It already contains detailed information about a property: asking price, number of bedrooms, square footage, etc. It helps prospective homeowners prepare for a visit and decide what questions they want to ask live.
Future homeowners can explore listings through the 3D virtual house tour offered by DuProprio, depending on what package a seller selected. This innovative service enhances the experience of real estate visits from the comfort of your own home by giving you a real feel for the layout.
2. Take a virtual tour of the neighbourhood
A property’s value is incredibly influenced by where it’s located. Is the neighbourhood still under development? Are services easy to access? What’s being built nearby – luxury buildings or factories? It can be a smart investment to buy in a highly sought-after area. This is a major consideration not to be overlooked.
Using Google Maps is one great way to virtually explore a neighbourhood. The Street View feature gives you a 360° view of an area. See how close a property is to schools, public transportation, shopping, parks and other essential services – factors that have a huge impact on daily life. You can look over the information gathered in a virtual visit and decide if it’s worth it to book a house viewing.
And nothing is stopping you from discovering a neighbourhood yourself! “A virtual visit is a great place to start, but nothing replaces the experience of wandering around in person,” says Mikaël Leclaire, real estate coach at DuProprio. “The vibe you get while checking out a neighbourhood can totally change preconceived notions you had about it.”
3. Prepare your questions in advance
A seller is the person who knows their home best. A buyer or potential buyer should never hesitate to ask a owner questions. The answers shared will help people make an enlightened decision and avoid any nasty surprises later. Knowing what a seller likes (and appreciates less!) about their property can be an invaluable asset.
A buyer should confirm the accuracy of all details provided in order to make an informed transaction. It’s advisable to inquire about the building, installations, surroundings, expenses, selling process and the specifics of co-ownership, if any.
On this subject, a visitor can also request the declaration of the seller to find out information about the condition of a property and previous work done. The certificate of localization is another highly useful document that gives a clear picture of a dwelling’s location, including information about easements and restrictions.
4. Be open-minded
We often hear that picking a future home often involves falling in love with it as soon as you walk through the front door.
However, erring on the side of caution would be a safer bet and give you time to focus on the details: a property’s future potential and intrinsic qualities. Is a house in good condition and does the asking price seem reasonable? Don’t waste time getting distracted by an outdated look.
Furniture and accessories are normally not included in a sale. Whoever becomes the owner can make a home in their own image. A place will look quite different with new furniture or a fresh coat of paint.
When it comes down to it, one non-negotiable point is ultimately driving any potential buyer: whether or not they can see themselves living in the space. “The final decision goes beyond practical considerations,” explains Mikaël Leclaire. “It involves being able to envision yourself in the space up for sale: doing meal prep in the kitchen, sipping a hot beverage on the patio, watching a tv series in the living room.”
These are the million-dollar questions to ask yourself during and after each visit. The goal is to find your forever home!
5. Be polite and friendly with the owner
When a house arouses interest, the parties move on to negotiating terms of a purchase agreement. This step would go a lot smoother if you have a good relationship with the seller. It’s recommended to maintain a courteous attitude from visit start to finish. Chatting for a few minutes will help you understand the main motivations behind a sale.
Snarky comments about the premises should be avoided at all costs. Approach any visit with consideration and treat every owner’s home and personal belongings with respect, even if some aspects raise an eyebrow. A more productive idea would be to focus on functional criteria (room layout, general condition of a home, amount of natural light available, etc.), instead of wasting time on superficial features like interior design.
6. Take a full tour of the house
From the basement to the attic, tour every square inch of a property during a house visit. Inspect every nook and cranny, including the garage, shed and patio. It’s totally okay to open closet doors and kitchen cabinets to see how much space you’re dealing with. Take the time to look under the sink to observe the condition of the pipes. Any traces of moisture or mould?
Check the electrical panel (to verify that everything is in order and complies with the latest safety standards) and look for visible cracks on the walls, ceiling or foundation. It could be a sign of a structural issue or the ground shifting.
7. Evaluate any work that needs to be done
Before buying a property, you absolutely have to consider any renovations that are needed. If repairs have to be carried out, this could represent a substantial additional cost burden.
So a thorough inspection of several elements is required during a house visit, including the condition of the foundation, roof, windows, electrical installations and plumbing.
Is there repair work on the horizon? A wise move would be to call RenoAssistance, a support service that puts you in touch with qualified contractors. A Renovation Advisor will provide you with help throughout a restoration or construction project, whether it’s the balcony, exterior siding, kitchen, bathroom, bathroom or addition.
Using their services offers you peace of mind and a golden opportunity to better manage your real estate investment.
Got a renovation or construction project in mind?
8. Listen for any noise pollution
Exterior noise will impact your long-term comfort, whether it’s annoyance from road traffic, trains or airplanes, or some other constantly loud situation. Make sure to open windows and take the time to listen to what’s going on outside during a house visit… If a property is located near a busy roadway, shopping area or industrial zone, it’s worth considering how much noise is too much for you.
Is it coming from inside the house? Can you hear any sound emanating from pipes, a heating or air conditioning unit? That could be a sign of a more serious issue, like worn out insulation or an outdated heating system.
9. Take plenty of notes
Bring a notepad (with functioning pen) or a tablet (duly charged) to any house visit and note any relevant details shared by a owner. The idea is to get all the information the first time so further calls or a subsequent house visit won’t be necessary.
Review the printable property description sheet available for every listing on the DuProprio site. It’s a handy tool that contains photos and features of a home you’re interested in.
Chat with someone you trust after wrapping up a house visit to share your impressions. The longer you wait, the more some details might start to fade, especially if you’re viewing multiple properties in a day!
Lastly, it’s recommended to book a professional inspection after launching your real estate project to get a detailed report on the current condition of a property.
Have a great house visit!
