Property tours are fun — you get to imagine yourself living in new spaces and discover more about what you really want. But it's also easy to make mistakes that could annoy the seller, weaken your negotiating position, or even break the law. A few simple guidelines keep you on the right track.
Five quick rules of the road for your next showing — three to avoid, two to embrace.
Relatives and friends may enjoy tagging along and offering advice, but they can also be a distraction — pulling focus away from your priorities, and they might say or do something that works against you. If it's essential to include other decision-makers, talk it through with the agent who's already representing you and your interests first.
Surveillance cameras are common, and owners may use them to monitor buyers' comments and behavior — an easy way to safeguard the home and gauge your interest for negotiating. Even outside, your reactions may be noticed; owners have been known to watch from neighbors' windows. Save your candid reactions for later.
Remember you're on someone else's property. Unless the owner has granted permission, recording may violate state law. And even if you can take pictures, don't post them on social media — it can hurt your negotiating position and invade the owner's privacy. Wait until it's your house.
Homeowners have different tastes. If a house doesn't reflect your style, ask what easy, inexpensive changes — fixtures, window treatments, paint — could make it yours. Augmented-reality apps can even let you preview wall colors or virtual furniture to help you envision your own style in the space.
It's perfectly fine to flush toilets, test the faucets, and open cabinets and closet doors. But check with your buyer's rep before actually "using" a toilet — better yet, schedule a pit stop before the tour starts.
Once you're inside, here's what to look past and what to focus on during the tour itself. And remember a showing is just a first look — the deeper, professional evaluation happens later, during the home inspection process.
When we tour homes together, I handle the etiquette and the strategy so you can focus on the fun part — picturing your life there. It starts with a quick buyer counseling session so I understand your priorities; from there, as your Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®), I'll make sure every showing works in your favor.
Not without permission. You're on someone else's property, and recording without the owner's consent may violate state law. Even when you can take pictures, don't share them on social media — it can hurt your negotiating position and invade the owner's privacy. Wait until it's your home.
It's best not to bring an entourage. Relatives and friends can be a distraction that shifts focus away from your priorities, and they might say something that hurts your position. If it's essential to include other decision-makers, talk it through with your buyer's rep first.
Often, yes. Surveillance cameras are common and may be used to monitor buyers' comments and behavior to gauge interest for negotiating. Even outside, owners have been known to watch from neighbors' windows. Assume you're being watched and listened to, and save candid reactions for later.
It's fine to flush toilets, test faucets, and open cabinets and closet doors. But check with your buyer's rep before actually using a toilet — better yet, schedule a pit stop before the tour begins.
Tell me what you're hoping to find in Las Cruces, and let's line up some showings — with someone in your corner who knows how to make every tour count. No pressure, no obligation.