3 Things You MUST Do Before Your First Home Tour
Buying a home is exciting — but if you walk into your first showing without a plan, you can waste time, miss out on great homes, or lose in multiple-offer situations.
Before you ever step through the front door of a home, there are three things every buyer must do to set themselves up for success. These steps can make the difference between touring houses and actually winning one.
1. Do Your Homework Before You Tour
This is where most buyers go wrong.
Doing your homework doesn’t mean scrolling through listings late at night — it means putting the right team and strategy in place before you start shopping.
Choose the Right Realtor and Lender
Clicking “Book a Showing” on a real estate website may get you into a house, but it won’t necessarily get you the right representation. Those buttons often connect you with whoever paid for the lead, not the most experienced or local agent.
Instead, ask friends, family, or coworkers: Who did you use? Would you recommend them again?
A strong Realtor will already work closely with a trusted local lender, and that relationship matters. In competitive markets, listing agents often call lenders to confirm a buyer’s ability to close. A well-known local lender can help your offer stand out — even if it’s not the highest price.
Get Pre-Approved — Not Pre-Qualified
Before touring homes, you should be fully pre-approved, not just pre-qualified. A true pre-approval tells you exactly what you can afford and prevents you from falling in love with a home that’s outside your budget.
Understand the Market
Ask your Realtor what kind of market you’re entering:
- Are homes selling quickly?
- Are multiple offers common?
- Are properties selling over asking price?
Knowing the market upfront helps you set realistic expectations and prepare mentally for how competitive things may be.
Define Your Must-Haves
Finally, identify what truly matters to you. Are schools or specific neighborhoods non-negotiable? Do you need access to Metra or major highways? Is a basement, two-car garage, first-floor bedroom, or fireplace a deal-breaker?
If something is a 100% must-have, write it down. Touring homes that don’t meet your core criteria only leads to frustration and wasted time.
2. Come to Showings With a Game Plan
A successful showing tour isn’t random — it’s intentional.
Plan for Your Lifestyle
If you have kids, consider booking a sitter. By the second house, kids are often bored, touching everything, and ready to leave — which makes it harder for you to focus and evaluate homes clearly.
Wear shoes that are easy to take on and off, bring water or snacks if needed, and make sure you have gas in the car. Showing tours often move quickly, and being comfortable helps you stay focused.
Manage Your Time
Plan on spending about 15–20 minutes per home. If a property is a serious contender, you can often schedule a second visit. Spending excessive time in homes you’re not interested in can drain your energy and blur your judgment.
Take Notes and Photos
By the fifth showing, kitchens, bathrooms, and layouts start to blend together. Take photos and notes so you can compare homes clearly later and avoid making emotional decisions.
And don’t be afraid to tell your Realtor what you don’t like. Knowing what turns you off is just as helpful as knowing what you love.
3. Be Prepared to Write an Offer
This is where prepared buyers separate themselves from the rest.
Rank the Homes You See
As you tour homes, rank them from 1 to 5. This helps the best options rise to the top and makes your decision easier when it’s time to act.
Have Your Finances Ready
Make sure your earnest money is readily available. In most states, earnest money is deposited shortly after an offer is accepted, so you don’t want delays at this stage.
You should also have your proof of funds, lender contact information, and identification ready to go.
Know Your Strategy in Advance
Talk with your Realtor ahead of time about your highest and best offer, especially in competitive markets. Homes often hit the market mid-week with offers due by the weekend, leaving little time for hesitation.
Recently, one listing in Gurnee, Illinois received 10 offers. In situations like that, it’s not just about liking the house — it’s about having a strategy that makes your offer stand out.
Understand the Commitment
Submitting an offer isn’t “just seeing what happens.” If the seller accepts, you’re entering into a legal contract. Being prepared ensures you can move confidently when the right home appears.
Final Thoughts
If you walk through multiple homes and don’t feel excited about any of them, that’s okay. The goal isn’t to force a decision — it’s to be ready when the right home comes along.
With tight inventory and competitive markets, preparation is everything. Buyers who do their homework, show up with a plan, and are ready to act are the ones who ultimately succeed.
If you’re thinking about buying and want a clear, strategic game plan before your first showing, working with an experienced local Realtor can make all the difference.
