Who is this series for?

🔹 First-time buyers who want a clear roadmap.
🔹Move-up buyers ready for or on the path to their dream home.
🔹Investors looking to get started with a smart strategy and are considering options.
🔹 Anyone who hates surprises and wants to be fully prepared for their Home Buying journey!

David Mercier introduces the ultimate home-buying guide, walking you through every step of the process, from pre-approval to move-in day!

1️⃣ Before the Tour: Know What You’re Looking For

Before you step into a single home, make sure you’ve defined your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and dealbreakers.

✔ For buyers: Think about layout, location, number of bedrooms, and features like yards or work-from-home space.
✔ For sellers preparing to buy again: Think about what your current home is missing that your next one should offer.

Pro Tip: Create a simple checklist (on paper or your phone) to rate each home consistently.

⭐ Dream Homes Can Come True Club Members – If you’re working with me, we’ll have discussed what you’re looking for already and have a clear mission! 

2️⃣ During the Tour: What to Pay Attention To

This is the part where learning how to tour homes like a pro really matters.

📸 Take photos or short videos as you walk through each home. Trust me—you’ll thank yourself later when all the houses start to blend together.

🔎 Look past the staging. Focus on things that can’t easily be changed, like the layout, natural light, neighborhood, or yard size.

👃 Use your senses. Pay attention to smells, sounds (traffic, barking dogs), and how the home feels.

📐 Check dimensions and storage. Will your furniture fit? Are the closets big enough?

Pro Tip: Keep a note on your phone of the dimensions of your favorite furniture pieces & bring a tape measure to home showings. 

3️⃣ After the Tour: Compare Strategically

Once you’ve seen a few homes, it’s time to step back and compare.

✅ Use a simple rating system (1–5 stars or a spreadsheet) to score each home on key criteria:

• Price
• Condition
• Location
  
• Layout
  
• Emotional fit

Buyers: Ask yourself, “Can I see myself living here comfortably for at 5–7 years?” (the average time people live in their home)
Sellers-turned-buyers: Ask, “Does this home solve the pain points I had in my last one?”

4️⃣ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even buyers who think they know how to tour homes like a pro can fall into these traps:

🚫 Don’t fall for staging tricks. Pretty furniture can distract from flaws.

🚫 Don’t rush. Touring too many homes in a single day can lead to burnout and bad decisions.

🚫 Don’t ignore your gut. If something feels “off,” pay attention—even if everything looks great on paper.

Pro Tip: Hint to your agent it might be good to grab lunch in the middle of a day of showings and they’ll probably treat you to a meal 😉 

5️⃣ What to Do When You Think You’ve Found “The One”

When a home stands out, take one more look. It’s smart to schedule a second showing, ideally at a different time of day.

Bring your checklist, compare notes, and talk it through with your agent (👋 that’s me!). I’ll help you break down the pros and cons, run comps, and decide whether it’s time to make an offer—or keep looking.

Pro Tip: Ask me if it’s wise to schedule a second showing or if the market dictates we’ve got to act fast!

Your Take Away

Learning how to tour homes like a pro isn’t just about being organized—it’s about being empowered. When you know what to look for, how to compare homes, and what questions to ask, you’re in a much stronger position to make the right move.

If you’re ready to start touring homes in Orange County, Long Beach, or anywhere in SoCal really, I’d love to help. Let’s make sure you not only find a great home—but feel 100% confident when you choose it.