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In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on the home tour process for those who are in the market. Often considered one of the most exciting parts of buying a home, tours are also very important for several parts of the process – and need to be taken with a few basic concepts in mind to ensure you get the most out of them.

At Primary Residential Mortgage, we’re here to help with this and numerous other homebuying themes. We offer a wide range of home loans with some of the best mortgage rates in town, plus loan officers who know the lay of the land and will be happy to provide you with expertise on any questions or concerns you may have. What are some of the other top themes to considering as you take part in home tours? Here are several.

HVAC Unit

We mentioned appliances in part one of this series, but one that deserves its own section is the HVAC unit – one of the highest-value fixtures in any home. If the HVAC setup is greater than 10 years old, or if it’s showing visible signs of wear-and-tear, you have to be aware that as a buyer, you might be on the hook for replacing it in the next few years.

And if this is the case, this should be factored into your calculations for potentially offering on the home. HVAC replacement can cost several thousand dollars in many cases, so you need to be prepared if this is a likely expense for a home you buy.

Remodeling Capabilities

One major area many homebuyers look at closely during home tours is the potential for the space to be remodeled. Remodeling adds both home value and your own personal touch to the space, but some homes are much more conducive to being remodeled than others. From fixtures and systems to walls, landscaping and several other areas, keep an eye on personal desires you have for the home and how you might be able to achieve them with a little work.

Kid Themes

Finally, if you have children or know you’ll be having them soon, there are a few distinct things to consider while touring a home. The school district you’re in is a big one, as is the potential commute, whether it’s a walk or a drive. You should also research neighborhood safety, plus perhaps even consider knocking on some neighbor doors near the home in question to see if there are other similar-aged kids in the area.

For more on how to get the most out of a home tour, or to learn about any of our mortgage rates or home loan services, speak to the staff at Primary Residential Mortgage today.

*PRMI NMLS 3094. PRMI is an Equal Housing Lender. Some products and services may not be available in all states. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. Programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change and are subject to borrower(s) qualification. This is not a commitment to lend. Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views of my employer.