What Should You Do Before Touring Homes?

Talk to a lender

A lender consultation is the single most useful step before touring. Your lender can explain how much you may borrow, which loan programs you may qualify for, and what cash you will need, so you tour with estimates based on your financial situation.

Choose a comfortable monthly payment

Your total monthly housing budget includes mortgage principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance if applicable, HOA dues if applicable, utilities, and an allowance for maintenance and repairs. Some expenses may be collected with your mortgage payment, while others are paid separately. Choose a total that fits comfortably alongside your other expenses and savings goals.

Get preapproved

Preapproval can help you establish a shopping range and demonstrate readiness to sellers. Lenders use 'prequalification' and 'preapproval' differently, so ask what financial information they have reviewed, what conditions remain, and when your letter expires. Neither letter guarantees final loan approval, which depends on the lender's remaining requirements, including review of the property.

Discuss buyer representation before scheduling tours

Before you schedule tours, I will review the written buyer-broker representation agreement with you, including services, duration, cancellation terms, and negotiable compensation. Please take the time to understand the agreement before signing it.

Under California law (AB 2992, effective January 1, 2025, codified at Civil Code section 1670.50), the buyer-broker representation agreement must be executed as soon as practicable, and no later than the execution of your offer to purchase real property. State regulations effective January 1, 2026 presume, unless proven otherwise, that it is practicable to sign the agreement before the buyer's agent shows you a property in person or virtually. MLS or trade-association rules may also require a signed agreement before touring a home, so confirm what applies in your market rather than assuming you can wait until you make an offer. See the California DRE consumer alert on changes to real estate representation.

Confirm the funds you have available

Review the funds available for your down payment, closing costs, inspections not included in those costs, moving, and savings retained after closing. Lender reserve requirements vary by loan program and borrower circumstances. Prepaid expenses and initial escrow deposits may already be included in your closing-cost estimate, so avoid counting them twice. This helps you plan both the purchase and the savings you want to retain afterward.

Decide on locations

Think about commute, access to services, and the type of neighborhood you prefer. Across the East Bay and Solano County, the same budget can look very different from one area to the next, so knowing which communities are realistic helps you tour efficiently. Fair Housing laws protect your right to choose the community that fits you.

Write your must-have features

List the features that matter most: number of bedrooms and bathrooms, outdoor space, parking, single-level layout, condition, and so on. Separate true must-haves from nice-to-haves so you can compare homes fairly and spot the right one sooner.

Know financing-related property limits

Property eligibility varies by loan program. Condominiums may have project or individual-unit eligibility requirements, properties with significant condition issues may need repairs before financing can be approved, and some programs have occupancy restrictions. Ask your lender and me about potential concerns early, and have your lender confirm eligibility for the property and loan program.