House hunting can be a fun experience, but it can also make for some long days driving around to different properties. We've put together a few things to keep in mind as your search begins to help make the process easier for you.

• Dress appropriately for the weather. Remember that you may be going in and out of the car and houses all day, but you may also be walking around yards that can be muddy or slippery. Wear comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes that can be easily removed at a homeowner's request.
  
  
• Bring drinks and snacks. Depending on how many homes you plan to look at, showing appointments can last from 1-3 hours. It's always more enjoyable to look at homes when you aren't hungry or thirsty.
  
  
• Remember that vacant homes may not have utilities on. This means that restrooms may not be available. Plan accordingly.
  
  
• Focus on the property itself. No home is perfect, so make a list of your top priorities and focus on those details about the home. Don't let the sellers' belongings distract you from what could be the perfect home for you.
  
  
• Don't touch the seller's belongings. If you are bringing children with you, it's important to remind them that we cannot touch or play with anything in the house.
  
  
• Take notes! If you are looking at multiple homes in a day, it can be hard to keep track of which property had the features you liked best. Feel free to take notes of the things you loved and things you didn't.
  
  
• Be cautious of recording devices. With video doorbells, security cameras, and smart devices being so popular, it's important to be cautious of what you say while at the property. A smart rule to follow is to not say anything that you wouldn't say directly to the seller. This means avoiding all conversations about what you can afford and what kind of offer you might make while at the property.
  
  
• Remember, we may not be able to access certain areas of the home like a crawl space or attic during showings. But if we go under contract and perform a home inspection, you'll be able to get a better look at those spaces before the sale is complete.
  
  
• Don't forget that the home doesn't exist in a vacuum. Take note of the neighborhood and its surroundings. How far is it to grocery stores and shopping? Is there public transportation nearby? Consider driving through the neighborhood at peak times to get a feel for how busy the neighborhood would be during your commute to and from work.
  
  
• Don't ask for too many opinions. It's fun to share the properties you've liked with friends and family and get reassurance for such a big decision. But too many ideas from too many people will make it harder for you to decide. Focus on the wants and needs of the people who will be living in the house over those who will just be visitors.

We hope these tips make it easier for you to start your property search for your new home! If you're planning to buy a home this year, but aren't sure where to start, give our team a call at (434) 214-6121. Rives, Kelly, and John will be glad to talk to you about your home ownership goals and navigating the current market.