When our buyers are touring homes, I always suggest taking a look at things like the grade around the exterior of the home. Chattanooga is hilly and we see a lot of wet basements, so if the home is on a slope, buyers might ask if the current owners had any water intrusion issues or have installed any water mitigation to protect the house. While you’re there, be sure to also pay attention to surrounding homes to notice how neighboring owners maintain their homes and lawns. This may help to narrow down the streets you’d like to live on.


Some buyers forget to ask about HOA dues as well as covenants & restrictions, so if those are important to you, definitely ask.


In many cases, the open house host may not be the listing agent, but the host should at least be up to speed on pertinent facts about the home, improvements, etc. Some agents host open houses as a way to meet prospective clients, and might offer to follow up or stay in touch. If you are already working with a buying agent to search for a new home, respectfully inform the agent at the open house that you are already represented, and feel free to name your agent.


We always encourage prospective buyers to interview 2 or 3 agents to make sure they find someone they feel comfortable working with and who understands today’s competitive market. This is a huge purchase; representation is important.