During the 1st tour, buyers take a look at a home, usually when the sun is shining bright. During the walk-thru, the sun is probably still shining bright… and that’s it. Most buyers have purchased their home at that point!

Once buyers move into a home is when they realize there are many things they could have done their research on. Avoid your buyer’s remorse by doing some of these things ahead of time.

Nighttime atmosphere. Go explore the general vicinity of your potential neighborhood during different times of the day. Once everyone is back from school and work, that once quiet street can turn in to a lively baseball field or neighbors can be making a lot of noise with their vehicles and motorcycles.

The commute. See what it would be like to commute to and from work during the times that you would normally do so. You may see that roads are overcrowded or hard to navigate with the particular route from each place.

Homeowners association rules. Be sure you are fully aware of what you can and cannot do on your property. If you have an association, there are bylaws that owners are required to follow. Don’t commit yourself to a house until you know that the bylaws are tolerable and work for your circumstances.

Specialty inspections. Each home is going to have certain features and benefits, but before you get excited, be sure they are in good working order. Pools, septics, solar panels, termites, and older roofs even should be reevaluated by a specialty inspector. This goes above and beyond what a normal inspector will reveal. It is a good idea to get a quote should anything needing repair come up, that way you’re prepared for that additional expense.

Plugs. Shockingly, where plugs (and even air returns) are located do make a difference. Unless you’re willing to use an extension cord in some instances, figure out which locations are lacking a plug, and what you should do to remedy the issue. Air returns shouldn’t be blocked by heavy furniture. Should one be on the lower side of the wall, there are limitations of how to arrange your furniture.

Neighbors. Do you see disorder and chaos towards your potential neighbor’s property? It isn’t likely that things are going to change once you move in. Use your judgment and weigh whether the lacking curb-appeal or loud sounds of engines will be a bother.

Clubhouse and Community Pool. Sure they may look quiet and appealing during the day, but then again once everyone is home from school and work, how crowded are these places? Too crowded for you?

Utility costs. Not many buyers consider the cost of utilities in certain areas. Many times the utilites can be more costly with different companies, same goes for insurance. Sometimes certain properties are in a flood zone and can cost more money on the policy.