Scheduling showings is a challenging balancing act for even the most experienced realtor. This is particularly true in the high season when many properties are rented, haven’t yet been cleaned, or are in use by vacationing owners.  Making the appointments, gathering keys from various agencies and rental companies, and putting together information for the prospective buyer is a process. Often we can gain access to a property for a limited window of time or not at all.  For these reasons, and for their own ease of mind, buyers should make the most of their showings. Establishing a few organizational techniques enables buyers to consider the best property for their needs and recall each feature that could be important later.  We recommend the following tips for our potential buyers when preparing for a day of visiting properties.


1.    Work out what is important. Discuss what uses, and needs you have for a property. If you plan to use it for rental, retirement or as a hub for your watersports activities, tell your agent. It helps the agent to better understand your needs and helps the buyer to isolate the key factors that are most relevant and
necessary in a property.

2.    Get pre-approved. It isn’t necessary to fill out all the paperwork for your loan but, a brief conversation with a lending professional will help you to
understand what price points are within your range. There is no need to consider properties that simply don’t meet your pricing criteria.

3.    Take notes. Showings can go by in a blur of addresses and condo names. It can get confusing and often difficult to remember characteristics of a particular
property. Assign one person to take notes, or devise a checklist of important features and check off each as you review the property.

4.    Look at the mechanics. I like to take all my clients outside to see the air conditioner, walk-around the exterior and look at the boring things. Items to watch for: hot water heaters, appliances, air conditioners inside & out, roof condition, and window conditions. These easy-to-overlook items can amount to a big repair later and may be signs of negligent owners. Being aware of these problems allows you to negotiate for repairs or justify a lower offer.

5.    Take a camera. Many of our buyers will be leaving town before they make an offer on a property. Having photos of interesting properties is a valuable mental refresher even days later. Just remember to take a photo of the outside of the property as the first shot; otherwise every living room and kitchen can start to look the same.

6.    See the Big Picture and don’t be dazzled or dismayed by the decor. Many a showing has ended at a bad bedspread. Sometimes a great deal on a unit is lost over cosmetics that are easy to remedy. Or a buyer may decide to pay too high a price for a unit that isn’t in good repair but, has some really great hand towels. It’s hard to take your emotions out of the equation completely but remember the bigger picture and concentrate on features that are most significant.

7.    Communicate. Talk to your spouse, your business partner, your family and mostly talk to your agent. Don’t be afraid to tell each other what you do and don’t like about each showing. This communication will refine your goals and help you and your agent locate your dream property.