So, it’s finally happening—your first day of house touring with Team Goché. Exciting, right? But before you dive headfirst into the wild world of open houses and floor plans, I’m here to give you the lowdown on what to expect.
Whether you’re ready to jump into that dream home or still trying to figure out your vibe, we’ve got you covered. Let’s make sure your first day is smooth, fun, and full of real estate wisdom. Let’s get into it.
It’s a Long Day—Pace Yourself
Touring homes is exciting, but it’s also a marathon. We cap the first day at 10 houses max because, honestly, after house 6, it’s easy to start mixing them all up. “Was it this house with the funky wallpaper or the one with the blue kitchen?” To keep things manageable, we’ll organize the tour so you can truly absorb what you’re seeing without getting burnt out. Plus, I’ll make sure we’re moving at a pace that works for you.
Slip-On Shoes Are Your Touring MVP
The key to a smooth tour day? Slip-on shoes. Trust me, you’ll be in and out of houses all day, and fiddling with laces gets old fast. You don’t want to be wrestling with your boots while we’re trying to make the most of our time. So, do yourself a favor—rock those comfy slip-ons and make your life easier.
Bring Snacks and Water (Hangry Hunters Are No Fun)
Touring can be tiring, and no one makes great decisions when they’re hangry. So pack some snacks and water to keep your energy up throughout the day. We’re going to cover a lot of ground, and having some sustenance will keep your mind sharp. Plus, let’s face it—snacks make everything better.
Pssst, Some Houses Might Be “Leftovers”
Okay, let’s be real for a sec—day one might include a few homes that have been sitting on the market for a bit. Sometimes the first houses we tour are the ones that didn’t fly off the shelves. These homes can look great online but may feel a little different in person. Maybe they smell funky, or the layout isn’t quite what you expected. But don’t be discouraged! These viewings are all part of the process, and you never know when a diamond in the rough might pop up. Plus, each home gives us valuable insights into what works for you.
We Roll in Separate Cars (For a Reason!)
Typically, we’ll drive separately from house to house, and there’s a reason for that. It gives you time to debrief privately between viewings, chat with your partner or whoever’s with you, and process what you just saw without feeling rushed. We’ll meet up at each house, and in between, you’ll have a few moments to reflect and regroup. Trust me, those breaks are valuable!
Virtual Tours Are Your New BFF
Can’t make it to all the houses in person? No worries! Virtual tours are a great way to get a feel for a property from wherever you are. We use an app called Marco Polo to send personalized video tours of homes, where I’ll narrate the flow of the space, point out key details, and help you visualize the home beyond what you see online. You can re-watch the tours, send them to your advisory committee (hi, family!), and get a better idea of what you’re working with. It’s how one of my clients fell in love with a house they thought was “meh” based on photos—and spoiler alert, they bought it!
Want more tips on buying remotely? Check out this blog for a full step-by-step guide on how to navigate long-distance house hunting like a pro.
Bathroom Breaks: Yes, There Are Rules
Ah, the age-old question: Can I use the bathroom during a house tour? The answer is… it depends. If it’s a vacant or staged home, go ahead. But if we’re walking through someone’s lived-in home, it’s usually best to wait (trust me, it’s a lot less awkward). Pro tip: Always check if the water’s running before you go. The last thing you want is to not be able to flush (yes, it’s happened before, and it’s not a good time).
Sellers Might Be Listening (Seriously)
These days, many homes have cameras—sometimes inside and almost always at the door. And yes, sometimes they’re recording audio. So, a quick heads-up: be careful what you say while we’re inside. I’ve had clients miss out on a house because of one small comment the seller overheard. It’s like, “Oh, there’s a little dry rot here,” and boom, offer rejected. So, keep the big discussions for when we’re outside or in the car. It’s a little weird, but it’s real.
Expect Some Real Talk (and a Little Tough Love)
We’re going to be seeing a variety of homes, and part of my job is to give you honest feedback, even if it stings a little. If you’re leaning toward something that doesn’t make the cut, I’ll tell you. You deserve a home that’s a great fit for your needs and a smart investment. So, if I say, “You can do better,” trust me, it’s because I’ve got your best interest at heart. And when we do stumble on a gem? You’ll know because I won’t be able to hide my excitement.
Don’t Be Surprised if You Find ‘The One’ on Day One
This can be both thrilling and terrifying—sometimes, you find “the one” on the very first day of touring. It might feel like, “Wait, we just started!” But here’s the thing: if it checks all the boxes, it’s worth considering. I’m here to help you navigate those big decisions, whether it’s day one or day 101. Trust your instincts, and if something feels right, don’t be afraid to go for it.
So there you have it—your first day of touring with Team Goché, laid out with all the tips, tricks, and truths. It’s going to be a fun day, filled with new insights and maybe even a little bit of tough love. Just remember to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and most importantly, have fun with the process.
Got questions before the big day? Hit me up, and let’s get you ready to tour like a pro!
