How to Tour a Home: Questions You Should Be Asking
How to Tour a Home: Questions You Should Be Asking
Introduction
Walking through a potential home is one of the most exciting moments in your home-buying journey. It’s where you begin to picture family gatherings in the living room, peaceful mornings on the porch, and where your life could take root. But beyond the daydreams, touring a home is also a crucial opportunity to gather information, ask the right questions, and uncover any hidden concerns.
At The J&D Realty Team, we’ve guided dozens of buyers through home tours in the Roanoke area, and we know that an informed buyer is a confident buyer. Whether you’re viewing a cozy ranch-style home in Salem, a sprawling property in Smith Mountain Lake, or a charming cottage near Grandin Village, asking the right questions is essential.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every aspect of touring a home—what to look for, what to ask, and how to ensure you leave each tour feeling informed and ready for the next step.
1. Start with the Story of the Home
Every home has a story. Understanding the seller’s motivations and the home’s history can give you insight into whether it’s the right fit for you.
Before diving into specifics about HVAC systems or kitchen cabinets, start with broad questions:
Why is the owner selling the home? Are they downsizing, relocating, or addressing a specific issue?
How long has the home been on the market? If it’s been sitting for months, there may be a reason.
Have there been any price reductions? This can tell you about demand and the seller's urgency.
In older neighborhoods like Raleigh Court or Wasena, homes often have unique histories. Perhaps the home has been passed down through generations, or maybe it was recently flipped by an investor. Asking about these details will help you understand not only the home but also how it fits into the local market.
Additionally, look into whether the home has been listed before and pulled from the market—this might suggest recurring issues that buyers have discovered.
2. The Condition of the Home: Beyond the Surface
It’s easy to get swept up in the charm of hardwood floors or a stunning kitchen backsplash, but it’s equally important to pay attention to the structural and mechanical elements of the home.
Instead of just asking a list of questions, take a methodical approach:
Start with the bones of the home: Look at the foundation, walls, and ceiling for cracks, water stains, or other signs of damage.
Evaluate major systems: Ask about the age of the roof, HVAC system, water heater, and electrical panel.
Windows and doors: Are they energy-efficient? Do they seal properly, or do you feel drafts?
Floors and attic spaces: Walk through the home carefully. Creaky floors, soft spots, or musty smells in the attic could indicate hidden problems.
In Roanoke’s historic neighborhoods, like Old Southwest, older homes often have incredible character but may require more maintenance. Be sure to ask about any recent renovations and if they were completed by licensed professionals.
3. Ask About Neighborhood Dynamics
When you buy a home, you’re not just buying a building—you’re investing in a neighborhood.
Take time to research the area ahead of your tour, but also ask the Realtor specific questions during the visit:
Are there nearby parks, walking trails, or community spaces? In Roanoke, access to the Greenway Trail System is often a major perk for homebuyers.
How close are essential services like grocery stores, hospitals, and schools? In neighborhoods like Cave Spring, proximity to top-rated schools is a big selling point.
Are there any future developments planned nearby? Large commercial projects or road expansions can greatly affect property values and quality of life.
After your tour, take a drive around the neighborhood at different times of day. Is it quiet in the evenings? Do neighbors seem friendly? These observations can be just as valuable as the answers you get during the tour.
4. Check for Storage and Practical Spaces
Storage is one of those details that’s easy to overlook during a home tour but can become a daily frustration if neglected.
Ask yourself:
Are the closets large enough for your needs?
Is there a pantry in the kitchen?
Does the home have a garage, basement, or attic?
In many older homes, such as those in the Grandin Village area, storage space can be limited. If the home lacks built-in storage, consider whether there’s potential to add shelving, cabinets, or other storage solutions.
Take note of any unusual spaces—a random closet under the stairs, or an awkward nook in the hallway. Sometimes these spaces can be repurposed creatively, but other times they may be unusable dead space.
5. Pay Attention to Lighting and Noise
Lighting and noise might seem secondary compared to structural issues, but they play a huge role in day-to-day comfort.
When you enter each room, pay attention to the natural light. Ask:
Which direction do the windows face? South-facing windows typically bring in the most sunlight.
Are there any large trees or buildings blocking the light?
Noise is another factor. If the home is near a busy road, railway, or airport, consider how that might impact your daily life.
Stand quietly in different parts of the home for a moment and just listen. Is it peaceful, or do you hear distant traffic or barking dogs?
6. Understand Utility Costs and Efficiency
In addition to your mortgage, utilities are a significant monthly expense.
Ask about:
Average monthly utility bills for electricity, water, and gas.
Whether the home has energy-efficient windows or insulation.
If the HVAC system is modern and energy-efficient.
In Virginia, winters can get chilly, and summers can be humid, so efficient heating and cooling systems are important.
7. HOA Rules and Regulations
If the home is in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA), you’ll want to know exactly what you're signing up for.
Ask about:
HOA fees and what they cover.
Rules about exterior modifications, like painting your home or installing a fence.
Restrictions on renting out the property.
Some neighborhoods, like those around Smith Mountain Lake, often have stricter HOA rules to maintain the aesthetic appeal of waterfront properties.
8. Think About Resale Value
Even if you plan to stay in the home long-term, resale value should always be in the back of your mind.
Ask your Realtor:
How does this home compare to others in the area?
Are property values in the neighborhood rising or falling?
Are there any planned infrastructure improvements that might impact future value?
9. Trust Your Instincts and Your Realtor
Sometimes, the right home just feels right. But it’s still wise to check in with your Realtor to make sure you’re not overlooking anything important.
Your Realtor will be able to provide context about the home’s price, market conditions, and any potential concerns they’ve noticed during the tour.
Final Takeaways
Touring homes is an exciting step, but it’s also one that requires attention to detail and good communication with your Realtor.
At The J&D Realty Team, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you’re confident and informed in your home-buying journey.
Ready to start touring homes in Roanoke? Call us today at 540-302-5003 or visit LiveRoanoke.com to schedule your next tour!
