Ask a Wahi REALTOR®: What Steps Should a Buyer Take Before Booking a Property Viewing to Confirm It Matches Their Budget and Must-have Features?

Ready to take the next step in your homebuying journey and start attending property showings? Wahi Broker of Record Anne Alkok has some advice.

By Josh Sherman | 2 minute read

Home showings can take anywhere from 15 minutes to upwards of an hour, depending on the property and buyer and seller preferences.

Attending home showings is an exciting step on the homebuying journey. However, ahead of viewing properties in-person, homebuyers should set aside some time to prepare. We spoke to Anne Alkok, Wahi’s Broker of Record, for advice on the steps a buyer should take to confirm a property matches their budget and must-have features — before booking a showing.

1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage  

Obtaining a mortgage pre-approval, or pre-qualification, is a solid first step in preparing for showings. The pre-approval, which can be done in minutes, doesn’t guarantee your approval for a loan, but it provides an estimate of the size of the mortgage you may be eligible for. This is helpful for setting a homebuying budget.

2. Check Comparable Sales 

Once you know how much house you can afford, you can focus on checking out listings for properties you’d like to take a closer look at. Beware of list prices, though. Just because a home is listed within your budget, it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s what it will sell for. “In an active market, some sellers use a listing strategy where they list low to generate multiple offers,” Alkok explains. “The market value of a home may be higher than the list price,” she continues. To get a better sense of a home’s true value, you can use Wahi to see how much comparable homes have recently sold for.

3. Scrutinize the listings 

“Look closely at the photos and floor plan,” Alkok advises. Sometimes, photos can make a place appear larger than it is. You don’t want to waste your time attending a showing at a home that hasn’t been accurately represented online, so scan all the listing details to confirm the property meets your criteria. Be on the lookout for common red flags in listings, including phrases such as “needs your TLC” or “great opportunity” — that is, unless you’re looking to undertake a large-scale home-improvement project.

4. Learn More About the Neighbourhood 

Before booking a showing, you may want to find out more about the neighbourhoods you’re searching within. If you’re purchasing a home in the Greater Toronto Area, Wahi’s Neighbourhood Guides are a great resource to learn about each of the region’s approximately 400 neighbourhoods. For those buying elsewhere, check out articles or blog posts about neighbourhoods you’re curious about before spending time visiting IRL. “Check out the neighbourhood using Google Maps or drive the area to see if you think you’d like to live there,” recommends Alkok.

“If schools are important, check wahi.com for information about local schools,” Alkok adds. Each Wahi listing includes detailed information about the surrounding neighbourhood, including school ratings according to the Fraser Institute. Using Wahi, you can even filter your property search to only include listings within a 7+ rated school catchment zone.

5. Invite a Friend or Family Member 

When you book a showing with Wahi, you’ll be greeted by a licensed Realtor — your Showing Agent. They’re there to unlock the door, give you space to explore, and answer basic questions. Think of them as your on-site host. However, you may want to invite a trusted friend or family member who can give you an objective perspective on the property. You could also consider inviting a contractor if you’re planning renovations.

Bonus: Consult the Home Showing Checklist  

Wahi created the Home Showing Checklist with even more tips on how to prepare for your first property viewings.