Top Tips for Touring Homes: What to Look for in a House and Neighborhood Before You Buy
You’ve been dreaming about and planning for your future home for a long time. You’ve saved, researched, and patiently waited… and waited some more. Now, the time has finally come to search for your perfect place. Congratulations! If you're like most soon-to-be homeowners, you're probably feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelm as you prepare to tour homes and visit communities.
What do you need before moving into a new house? From finding the right neighborhood to envisioning your ideal layout to getting clear on your must-haves for a new home, there’s a lot to consider. You want to choose a house that’s not only a great match now but that can grow with you for years to come.
Home tours and community visits are important steps to finding out if a home is the perfect one for you. At Holt Homes, we guide you through every step of this process, helping you evaluate both the home and its community to make sure it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.
Read on for a guide to everything you need to know before touring a home!
Curious about buying a new home but worried it might be out of reach? Let's debunk some common house buying myths
Key Features to Assess During a Home Tour
Maybe you’ve scheduled a showing, plan to attend an open house, or are just starting to see what’s out there. You’re feeling that anticipation that comes with getting closer to an important life goal. But then you might find yourself wondering— Do you know what to look for when buying a new house? Or how do you choose where to live? Knowing what important questions to ask and what to focus on will help you feel confident and find a home that’s just right for you.
Throughout the rest of this guide, we’ll dive into these areas to make sure you’re all set with helpful questions to ask while touring homes!
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
- Layout and Functionality: Think about how the layout fits with your family’s current lifestyle and future plans. Will it grow with you?
- Finishes and Details: Look around at the materials and craftsmanship. Ask what is included, which are upgrades, and how they might change the base price.
- Energy Efficiency and Modern Features: Keep your eye out for energy-efficient features and smart technology. These can help save on long-term costs while making your home more eco-friendly.
- Community Vibe and Lifestyle: Consider how a neighborhood fits your lifestyle and the overall feel. Pay attention to the local amenities, social scene, and whether the area meets your everyday needs.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to help guide you through common concerns and get advice on the next steps towards owning a new home.
Layout and Functionality
As you tour a home, it helps to envision yourself and your family there, both now and in the future. Think about things such as if the great room has enough space to stretch out comfortably. The layout of your home should flow in a way that supports your everyday life. Maybe you want a mudroom to ditch your shoes in when you come home, or you’ve dreamed of a backyard with room for landscaping.
If you want your common areas to feel bigger and more connected, be on the lookout for open floor plans. Fun fact: According to the National Association for Home Builders, 85% of homebuyers want an open connection between the kitchen and the dining room.
When thinking about your must-haves for a new house, consider how the space will adapt to you over time. Is there room to add a bedroom, create a home office, or make space for kids or pets? At Holt Homes, we design with flexibility in mind. Many of our homes offer versatile spaces such as a den or a loft that can easily transform into another bedroom, guest space, playroom, or anything else you might need.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Does this floor plan fit my current living needs and daily routines?
- Are the rooms spaced out well for my family, and is there enough privacy?
- Is there potential for modifying the space as my needs evolve?
Questions to Ask our Community Sales Consultant:
- How easily can the layout be adapted for future growth or changes?
- Are there any limitations or restrictions on modifying the floor plan?
- Can spaces be adapted for additional bedrooms, a home gym, or home office, or outdoor features?
For more tips on how to buy a new home, read our first-time home buyer checklist
finishes & Details
Sometimes you walk into a home and are immediately drawn in by the light pouring through the windows or that unique built-in where you can already picture displaying all your family photos. It’s those little details that make a house feel like a home and add joy to your daily routines. But before you get lost in imagining how great it will be to finally have a double vanity or your dream kitchen, take a moment to consider the home’s construction. The quality beneath the surface is what makes a house truly livable long-term.
If you are considering an existing home, ask when a home was last updated- this will give you a good idea of the condition of systems like plumbing and electrical. Updates can save you from expensive repairs down the road. Also look for durable features, like laminate flooring or tile countertops, that show long-lasting quality. Be sure to ask when major home systems—like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC—were last replaced. This information can give you valuable insight into their remaining lifespan and potential future maintenance needs.
Have you considered a new-build home? A major perk is the opportunity for modern upgrades and quality materials from the start. When you work with Holt Homes, you will be getting a home built with innovative design and craftsmanship. We listen closely to what our homebuyers want and need and make sure every inch of our floor plans has been thoughtfully designed and built to last. Knowing the quality of your home will give you confidence in your decision.
Questions to Ask About Construction & Materials:
- When was the last time the home was updated, and what changes were made?
- What kind of materials were used, especially in big areas like the flooring, roof, or foundation?
- Are there warranties for things like the plumbing or electrical systems?
- How well is the home built? Are there any special features that show it was made to last?
- Who built the home, and what’s their reputation for quality?
Learn more about what to look for when buying a new house with this handy First-Time Home Builder Checklist
Energy Efficiency and Modern Features
What do you need when moving into a new house? One important factor to consider is energy efficiency and modern features.
Did you know that you can potentially save thousands of dollars over the years just by having energy-efficient appliances and other smart features in your home? It’s true! According to Energy Star, using appliances with their rating allows a typical household to save about $450 on their energy bills each year. And the more energy-saving features a home has, the lower your utility bills will be.
Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to find it’s snowing outside, and your room feels like an ice chest. Just as you are about to bravely leave the comfort of your bed to adjust the temperature, you remember that you can do it from your smartphone while staying cozy. Energy-efficient and smart features not only offer long-term savings and eco-friendly benefits, but they also make life easier and more comfortable.
Energy-efficient must-haves for a new house:
- Smart thermostats: Control the temperature remotely and adjust it automatically to save energy.
- LED lighting fixtures: Use less energy with bulbs that last much longer than traditional ones.
- Energy-efficient appliances: Look for Energy Star-rated appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines that use less power.
- Insulated Windows: Help maintain the temperature in your home and reduce heating/cooling costs.
Interested in more ways a new home can save you money? Learn more about the benefits of buying a new home now.
Evaluating the Surrounding Community
When searching for your future home, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask yourself is, “How do I choose where to live?” A house can have a spacious layout and that perfect nook for your favorite chair downstairs, but if it’s not in a neighborhood that fits your needs and lifestyle, it may not feel like the perfect match.
You’ll want to find a neighborhood you enjoy living in, where you can connect with others and feel a sense of belonging.
Different communities might appeal to you such as an outdoorsy culture where locals enjoy fishing, hiking and biking. Some areas may have a strong arts community, with nearby galleries and monthly street fairs. Desirable things like this can help you choose where to live.
If you know anyone who lives in the neighborhood, ask them about their experience. Getting the inside scoop can help you get a better idea of what it’s really like to live there. Spending time in your community helps you meet new friends and adds a lot to your quality of life over the years.
When you are evaluating a community, ask yourself these questions:
- Can I picture living in the area long-term and feeling comfortable?
- What kinds of fun local events or family-oriented gatherings are there?
- Are there community centers that host things like art classes or indoor sports?
- Are there spaces I can be part of, like a community garden?
- Do neighbors gather for seasonal activities, such as swimming in the summer?
- Does the community feel welcoming, where you can see yourself building relationships?
Considering what part of the Pacific NW you want to live in? Discover our new home communities in Oregon and our new Washington communities
Amenities & Infrastructure
Was that a frozen yogurt shop you just passed? And did you see people jogging with their dogs through a nicely shaded park? Whether you love having a cute coffee shop nearby that serves a fantastic latte or want to attend local soccer games, living close to certain amenities is a must.
As you tour a neighborhood, you’ll want to get a good sense of the places you’ll want to visit, fun activities to explore, and if practical things like groceries can be done nearby.
At Holt Homes, we know how important these types of amenities are to your daily life, and we design every community with these everyday conveniences in mind, offering spaces where you can thrive and have lots to enjoy in your area.
Here are some key things to look for in your future neighborhood:
- Schools and Daycares: How close are good schools and daycares?
- Parks and Green Spaces: What parks or walking trails are nearby?
- Sports and Recreation: Are gyms, tennis courts, or swimming pools available?
- Shopping and Dining: How many shops and restaurants are close by?
- Entertainment and Fun: Is there nightlife, live music, or theaters around?
Looking to find the perfect neighborhood while building your dream home? Check out our step-by-step guide to building a new construction home to help you get started.
Safety & accessibility
When thinking about how to choose where to live, research how easy it is to get around and how safe the area feels. You’ll want to be close to major roads for a quick commute, and you’ll also want to make sure you're near things like a hospital, doctor’s office, or pharmacy. You should also check how close you are to fire stations and emergency services for peace of mind.
If someone in your family uses public transportation, look for bus lines within walking distance. Even if you don’t rely on the bus often, it’s good to have options when you need them.
Safety and Transportation Considerations:
- Are major roads easily accessible for work, errands, or social activities?
- Is the neighborhood close to important services like healthcare and emergency services?
- Are there bus stops or public transportation options nearby?
- How easy is it to get to and from the neighborhood, especially during unexpected weather or traffic?
Neighborhood Vibes
You know that feeling when you're walking through a neighborhood and instantly feel at home? A friendly smile from someone passing by, the positive energy in the air—it just feels right.
When choosing a home, the vibe of the neighborhood matters almost as much as the house itself. You want to live somewhere that you look forward to being, where you feel safe, comfortable, and connected.
How do you choose where to live? Start by taking a walk around neighborhoods you are interested in. Visit local shops or hang out in community spaces. Pay attention to how the area feels and how people interact with one another.
A strong sense of community can have a big impact on your well-being. Research from the National Institutes of Health suggests that being engaged and feeling a part of your community can reduce stress and improve mental health. As you explore, take a moment to reflect on these helpful questions:
- Are you comfortable as you’re walking around the neighborhood? Are others friendly and welcoming?
- How does the neighborhood feel? Is it lively, quiet, or peaceful? Does it match your lifestyle?
- What’s the energy of the people? Are locals interacting, or does the area feel isolated?
- What activities are people doing outside? Are there people walking their dogs, socializing on porches, kids playing, etc.?
Interested in finding a place in beautiful Pacific NW neighborhoods? Take a look at these homes that are ready for move-in.
Touring Holt Homes COmmunities
Ready to find your future home? Schedule an in-person guided tour, or experience our floor plans through a virtual tour.
During your in-person visit, our friendly and knowledgeable team will guide you room to room, highlighting our thoughtful design and features, while helping you discover if a home is uniquely right for you. We’ll walk you through available options and upgrades that can help make it your own, while answering any questions you have. By the end of the tour, you’ll have a clear sense of whether a space fits your lifestyle and has your must-haves for a new home.
Want to explore from the comfort of your couch? Our 360° virtual tours let you walk through every room of our floor plans anytime you like!
What Our Homebuyers Are Saying:
"The walk-through was incredibly helpful, and the entire process was smooth. Holt Homes made sure we were informed every step of the way, and we couldn’t be happier with our new home!"
"Every person we worked with at Holt was professional, and the walk-through gave us all the details we needed to understand how everything worked. They made sure we were comfortable with the process from start to finish."
Want to explore the variety of homes we offer? Take a look at our floor plans
Conclusion
Finding your ideal home is an exciting journey, and knowing what you’re looking for and the right questions to ask will help you feel confident. As you tour homes, assess not just the design and layout, but also the quality of materials, energy efficiency, and the surrounding neighborhood.
Consider how well the home fits your current lifestyle now and in the future, and if it offers a welcoming community for you and your family. By paying close attention to these details, you’ll feel confident you’re choosing a home that’s built to last and grow with you.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule an appointment today and let us help you find the home that's just right for you.
*All selections subject to change depending on availability
Posted: Apr 09. 2025