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Important Questions to Ask When Touring a Home
While touring a home can be exciting, it’s best to come prepared with questions. Doing so ensures you’ll stay focused on examining the property vs. solely admiring it. It’s essential to keep your wants and needs at the forefront throughout the home-buying process. Just because a property is gorgeous, in an ideal location, and/or fits your budget, doesn’t mean it’s truly the right fit for you. There’s more to consider.
Questions to ask about the home
Whether you’re going to an open house or you’ve scheduled your own tour, be sure to ask the questions below. Some information may be included in the listing remarks, but you can find out so much more by asking or having your local real estate agent ask for you.
- How long has the property been on the market?
If it has been sitting for a while, is that due to the time of year or the recent shift in the market? Or, is there another reason? Sometimes homes sit on the market because they are unique properties that don’t necessarily meet the needs of many buyers. Other times, the home may not be properly priced. Or, it may need a significant amount of work. - What is included in the sale?
You’ll want to know in advance if the home currently has any custom appliances or fixtures that won’t be included. - Are there any known repairs or issues?
An inspection will detail these issues, but it’s important to ask any clarifying questions you may have. For example, if roof repairs were recently done, was it because of something minor or major? There’s a big difference between replacing some shingles and doing a major repair due to a leak that involved water damage. Sometimes sellers won’t know of an issue and that’s why it’s important to have an inspection done. Additionally, a lender will require an inspection. The lender may also state certain repairs must be done before moving forward. This applies to major defects that could negatively impact a home’s property value. - When was the house last updated or renovated?
Older homes can either be well-cared for or in need of some TLC. Knowing how old key components of the home are will help you better understand what work may need to be done now or down the road. Then, you can factor that into how much you’re willing to spend on the home now and what is in your budget to invest in the property in the near future. For example, how old is the HVAC, the roof, the garage door, and the appliances that come with the home? - Are there any special maintenance requirements to consider?
Will this home need a certain amount of weekly or monthly upkeep? If this home has a large lawn, a big garden, or other specific features like a greenhouse or a pond, are you able to do that work or budget for someone else to do it regularly? If it’s a waterfront home, will you need to worry about waterfront structures like retaining walls, boat lifts, and/or a dock? - Is there a Home Owners Association (HOA)?
If the home has an HOA (Home Owners Association), are there specific requirements regarding landscaping and lawn care? How much are the HOA dues and fees and what do they cover? If the home is in a wooded or rural area, are the pest prevention methods to consider or potential costs related to caring for the property? For instance, a home on acreage may require upkeep of barns or stables, an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), a large garden, or a private driveway or trail. - When is the offer review date?
It’s important to understand the seller’s timeline for reviewing and accepting offers. This can help you strategize and plan accordingly.
Questions to ask about the neighborhood
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- What does it feel like to walk or drive around the neighborhood?
When seriously looking at homes for sale in a certain area, it’s helpful to walk or drive in that neighborhood. By doing so, you may realize how important it is to you to be in a quiet community surrounded by nature. Or, you may prefer a bustling suburban or more urban area. Even if it’s in the type of environment you desire, this beautiful home might be very close to a longer term construction project or adjacent to an area you’d like to avoid. Walking around a neighborhood can really give you more of an idea of what it would be like to live there, how safe it feels, who your neighbors would be, and if the house and the community would suit you best. - What amenities does the neighborhood or surrounding area offer?
If the home you’d like to buy has a nearby fitness center, clubhouse, park, beach, or trail, check all of that out after touring the property. It’s also important to think about your commute time and businesses you frequently visit. On a map, certain amenities may seem really close. But when you’re actually there, you may realize what seemed walkable or a short drive away may not be. This could be due to traffic at certain times of the day, a lack of sidewalks, or other accessibility issues. Your local buyer’s agent should be able to provide insights. They should be able to give you information about local schools, community highlights, and more. - What transportation options are available?
Here on the Kitsap Peninsula, many people commute using the WA State Ferries or the Kitsap Fast Ferry. Kitsap Transit also has routed buses, and there are on-demand services. It’s important to think about what your daily life would look like if you purchase this particular home for sale. How would its location impact you positively or negatively? For instance, if you’re retiring, you may not need to worry about commuting by ferry, but you may want to be able to live in a walkable area. Or, perhaps you want to easily take a bus or ferry to a museum or sports event.
- What does it feel like to walk or drive around the neighborhood?
Questions to ask when touring a home virtually
Touring a home virtually isn’t ideal, but if you’re an out-of-state buyer unable to see the home in person, it’s the next best option. Hopefully you have a trusted friend, family member, or a great local real estate agent who can lead the way. Here are some additional questions to ask them while they are walking through it with you on screen.
- Is there a floor plan I can reference during the tour?
Having a floor plan to refer to while someone is walking you through the home online can be very helpful. It gives you a better sense of where things are and how everything is situated within the home. This can also give you a clearer sense of the size of different rooms. Many properties today are well staged and are advertised with top-notch photos. This can mean some rooms seem bigger than they actually are. - Can you give me the measurements?
While a video chat is more raw than a professional 3D tour, it can’t replace the in-person experience. So, if you can’t be there, ask away. Every detail matters. Ask about the square footage of specific rooms. Also, asking about the measurements of particular areas within a room can be illuminating. You may assume a window or counter is about a certain height or length, but you won’t know until you ask them to give you that measurement. This is particularly important if you’re assuming certain items in your current home will fit in this new home. You may have a piano or dining room set you don’t want to part with, but will it work in this home? That may not be a deal breaker for you, but it’s helpful to factor this information into your decision making process. Not everything is as it appears on a video chat. - Are there any sights, smells, or sounds that give you pause?
The person walking through the home for you must be your eyes, nose, and ears. If they notice any concerning sights when looking around the home or through the home’s windows, they should say so. Does anything look worn or damaged? Are there any areas that look different from the photos? Also, it’s important that they tell you about any problematic details like mold, large cracks, or dents. Similarly, you need to know about any weird smells in the home. Ask them to describe what they smell in the entryway, kitchen, basement, bathrooms, etc. To focus on the sounds in and near the home, ask them to open the windows. Have them turn on the faucets, fans, and the garbage disposal. Walking around the exterior of the home, in the yard, and in the neighborhood will also be beneficial.
6 Common Real Estate Misconceptions
Although the internet can be a helpful resource, it is also full of misinformation and sound bites that lack context. When it comes to our industry, there are many misconceptions about real estate, so we thought it would be helpful to address six common ones.
1. Renting is cheaper than homeownership
If you frequently relocate, it may be more cost-effective to rent than to buy a home. However, if you want to put down roots, homeownership can be beneficial. Investing in real estate is often a positive financial move to make, with appreciation typically occurring over a five- to nine-year period. While you don’t have the flexibility you have with renting, you are building equity, accumulating wealth over time. You’re investing in your future versus living in the present. Granted, there are other factors to consider, like the local housing market, your financial situation, and your personal and professional goals. But, overall, homeownership can be quite advantageous.
2. As a first-time homebuyer, you need to have a 20% down payment
Many first-time homebuyers think that they need to have a sizable nest egg in the form of a 20% down payment to even consider buying a house. But 20% isn’t mandatory across the board. In fact, conventional loans can require as little as 3% down for qualified borrowers. Additionally, there are zero down payment loans such as the VA loan for those who qualify. It is, however, important to keep in mind that the larger your down payment, the less you will need to borrow. If you borrow less, you lower your monthly mortgage payment, and that means less interest paid over the life of the loan.
3. Selling a home FSBO (For Sale By Owner) will save you money
If you’re considering selling your property, you may think selling it yourself will ensure that you save money. Sure, you won’t have to pay a real estate agent’s commission fees, but there are many risks to consider. In some FSBO cases, the home isn’t properly priced and the owners miss out on potential buyers, increasing how long the property is on the market. In other cases, the home is undervalued and the owners lose the money they could’ve made on it by selling it for too little.
A great deal goes into effectively preparing a home and strategically marketing it. A highly-rated, local seller’s agent can conduct a free Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), discussing it’s current value, how it compares to similar homes, and developing a comprehensive approach with next steps. A great agent knows which updates will benefit your home before putting it on the market, how to properly prepare it, and the advantages of partially or fully staging it. They will ensure that it’s expertly advertised with professional photography, a brokers’ tour, and print and digital marketing campaigns. Furthermore, FSBO listings are not found on the MLS so you’re really limiting your pool of potential buyers.
Selling a home yourself also comes with the risk of legal issues. Negotiations and a variety of legal forms are also part of this complex process. You want a knowledgeable advocate in your corner. Your home deserves to be sold with a professional’s expertise, and your wallet will thank you. In fact, FSBO homes usually sell for less. According to the annual survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors in 2024, “FSBO homes sold at a median of $380,000 in 2023, still far lower than the median selling price of all homes, which was $435,000.”
4. All real estate agents are the same and simply deal with paperwork
While these transactions do require a lot of paperwork, a good real estate agent does so much more. Whether you’re buying or selling, you want someone who knows the local market and the nuances of different neighborhoods. A well-connected agent has access to a wide range of listings, can compile comparative data, and is connected to the local community. They also have excellent resources and local vendors, and will project manage the entire process as your guide. Because real estate is so tied in with big life changes, many agents serve as a trusted confidant, and help in various ways from renegotiating after an inspection (more on that below) to helping with lenders, repair workers, and movers. Many bend over backwards when it comes to preparing the home for sale or finding their clients that dream home that will be the perfect fit. Whether you’re wanting to buy or sell, our highly rated Windermere Poulsbo agents are ready to assist. We say we’re “all in, for you” and we truly mean it.
5. Home inspections aren’t necessary
Home inspections are valuable for both homebuyers and sellers. If you’re selling your home, a pre-listing inspection can prevent any surprises from popping up when the home goes on the market. If you’re a buyer, a pre-listing inspection can give you peace of mind, identifying any maintenance issues that need to be completed right away. It creates transparency and builds trust between both parties. Also, it can help the real estate agent properly price the home if you don’t want to do an expensive repair before listing it. If you’re the buyer, and the seller had a pre-listing inspection done, you can accept that one or have your own done. This inspection can also be used in negotiations with the seller to ensure your needs are met and any concerns are addressed.
6. Fixer-upper homes are always a great investment
Some buyers think that fixer-upper homes are easy to spruce up with a few cosmetic improvements. But there is quite a range when it comes to fixer-uppers. If you haven’t seen the old Tom Hanks movie “Money Pit”, we suggest checking it out. Some of these homes have serious structural issues. Others may not be a sound investment based on the scope of repairs, the location, the local market, and/or your financial situation. For example, a fixer-upper may need all new flooring, new siding, and a new roof while another might only need minor roof repairs, a fresh coat of paint, new lighting fixtures, and some landscaping.
If you are looking for a fixer-upper needing a smaller-scale renovation, avoid homes for sale that would require re-roofing, replacing HVAC systems, and full-scale room remodels. While fixer-uppers are enticing to handy individuals or people who know great, local contractors, there are always different possible outcomes to consider. Projects may run long and over budget. The costs of supplies may increase and the market may change once the house is ready to move into or to rent as an investment property. We suggest talking to your homeowner’s insurance beforehand to understand what’s covered and what isn’t. Yes, fixer-uppers have a lot of potential, but you want to ensure you’ll get that return on your investment.
New Agent Spotlight: Linda Hilton
With decades of experience serving homebuyers and sellers, Linda Hilton possesses a wealth of knowledge. We’re so glad she returned to our Windermere team. Linda has fascinating stories about everything from real estate transactions to her experiences abroad. Learn more about her in our Q&A below.
What drew you to real estate?
Originally, it was the flexibility of the hours; I had a small child and wanted to be there for him. Before real estate, I was in the restaurant business. Now I love troubleshooting issues that come up, seeing the look of happiness when a buyer client sees their dream house in person, but especially visiting with clients from 20 years ago who STILL own their house and love it after all these years.
What unique skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a realtor?
I’m well-traveled, and I’ve lived in many different environments. I understand different cultures, ideas, and ways of communicating.
What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?
Listening, patience, and a sense of humor.
Which areas do you serve?
Kitsap and Jefferson Counties, what’s not to love?! I love the water, the mountains, and the trees.
How long have you lived here, and what brought you here?
I’m on my 12th year. We moved from Alaska to be closer to family.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
I like Windermere’s philosophy. People and clients come first.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Honestly, I just love real estate. Putting deals together, helping people achieve their goals. I retired 3.5 years ago, and I found myself talking to everyone about real estate, so I’m back!
Thank you, Linda! If you want to learn more about Linda Hilton, visit her website or check out her Facebook page.
Managing Expectations When Buying a Home
While having an idea of what you want in a new home is important, managing expectations is also crucial to a smooth home buying experience and long-term purchase satisfaction. Knowing more about the local market and what’s available in your price range will empower you as you begin searching for the perfect place. The following tips and insights from some of our Windermere Poulsbo agents will help you get started.
Buyers, Keep Your Head Up: Be Prepared
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you will make. As with all important purchases, the more you know the better. Being prepared will help you have a realistic outlook in a competitive market. Thankfully, you don’t have to prepare on your own. A great real estate agent will help guide you through the process. “Your realtor should have extensive knowledge of the local market, and should share current market data so you have a solid understanding of trends and patterns,” explains Managing Broker/Realtor Marisa Robba. For more insights on how to prepare, watch Marisa’s video below.
Aging and Your Forever Home: Consider Downsizing
As you think about buying a home, also think about the future. If your children are grown or you don’t need as much space, this might be a good time to downsize. Or as what Broker/Realtor Forrest Arnold likes to call right-sizing. Moving into a smaller place can help manage your expectations by simplifying your buying options and financial obligations. Also, as you think about getting older, it’s important to consider finding a place that you imagine living in for a long time, your forever home. A house where you can age in place safely. “The key here is realistic advanced planning for your peace of mind, and the peace of mind for your family,” Forrest explains. Watch Forrest’s video to learn more about finding the right place for both your present and future self.
Buying Land: Do Your Research
If you would prefer to move into a brand new home and know exactly what you want, then buying land might be the best option for you. In Kitsap County, there is undeveloped land available to build your dream home. This is an exciting option that allows you to customize a home to suit your lifestyle. But before you dive in, make sure you know what to look for. Simply looking at the local plat map isn’t enough, buying land is a complex process. Broker/Realtor Annita Baze Hansen recommends walking the land to discover whether there are “steep slopes, wetlands, or streams. Setbacks will limit the building site for building a home.” Watch Annita’s video to learn other great tips for buying land.
Find an Agent: Work With an Expert
Buying a home is much more complicated than your average purchase. You will have to navigate competing with other buyers, negotiating with the seller, acquiring a loan, etc. Agents have the education and experience in real estate to help manage your expectations and guide you through this complex and sometimes stressful process. Real estate agents know all the tricks of the trade and will represent your best interests during the purchase. Plus, as Broker/Realtor Brystal Narte points out, agents “have access to off-market listings that would otherwise be unavailable” to buyers. Watch Brystal’s video to learn more about why working with an expert is best.
Choose a Local Agent: Build a Relationship
Working with a local real estate agent is the best way to start building a relationship with your new community. Not only are they experts on the local market, but they also have deep knowledge of various neighborhoods, community perks, and local schools. Additionally, they live and work in the community and are a fabulous resource to answer any and all questions you may have. As Brokers/Realtors Kimmel & Young share “it’s not so much transactional as it is relational.” Learn more from the Kimmel & Young team on the benefits of working with local agents.
If this is your first time buying a home, our first-time home buying checklist and our home inspection checklist are also great resources to help you get started.
New Agent Spotlight: Marisa Robba
A sincere advocate with a wealth of knowledge, Managing Broker/Realtor Marisa Robba is a wonderful recent addition to our Windermere Poulsbo office. She’s been helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals for seven years and possesses a unique skill set and a sincere love for Kitsap County. Read our Q&A to learn more.
What drew you to real estate?
I have been involved in real estate since my early twenties, from purchasing my first condo to investing in rental properties. I am genuinely curious about the future of land and resources and the aesthetics of various properties and structures.
I have found that switching careers from teaching middle school to being a real estate agent has a lot of cross-over.
My natural tendency is to notice and convey details, set expectations, and build relationships. I listen and work hard to understand people and what they value. I have a long history of advocating for people’s best interests – children, parents, staff, and now, for the past 7 years, my clients!
What unique skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a realtor?
Anticipating clients’ needs and trouble-shooting obstacles before they become problems are strengths of mine.
What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?
A calm, communicative demeanor with a whole heck of a lot of integrity can get you far in this business. Sprinkle a little grit in there too!
Which areas do you serve?
I live in Poulsbo now, after 13 years on Bainbridge Island. I will travel just about anywhere in the state if I feel I can benefit my clients. But generally, I work in Kitsap County.
How long have you lived here and what brought you here?
I’ve been up here for 15 years now. I came here for the Olympic Mountains, the waterways, the proximity to my folks, and the slower pace of life, and I have never looked back.
How are you involved in the community?
I am a strong believer in giving back to the community – whether through food bank donations, One Call For All gives, trail-building in many of our county parks, or through PTSA and school-related volunteering.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
Over the past 7 years in real estate, I have had the best interactions with other Windermere agents! Their level of professionalism and dedication to their clients is second to none. Once I talked to the Designated Broker, I was 100% in.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
There is a real estate agent out there for everyone. Nothing in this business is cookie-cutter. As home transactions are some of the biggest decisions one can make, be sure you have someone on your side that you are comfortable with and who will go to bat for you.
New Agent Spotlight: Will Storch
We’re excited to feature Will Storch, a newer agent who recently joined Windermere Poulsbo. As a lifelong local, Will is passionate about community and serving clients’ individual needs. He works with buyers and sellers on Bainbridge Island and across Kitsap County. Will brings a range of skills and experiences to the table, allowing him to connect with a variety of people, sharing real estate expertise and insider tips. Read on to find out more.
What drew you to real estate?
What unique professional experiences enhance your abilities as a realtor?
What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?
Which areas do you serve and what do you love about them?
I am based in Kitsap County with a primary focus on Bainbridge Island, where I currently live and was raised. I have also lived in Seattle for a number of years and consider myself knowledgeable about the different areas of Seattle and understand the market conditions in King County. All the areas surrounding Seattle and Kitsap County offer amazing opportunities from outdoor activities to cultural opportunities, and great restaurants and schools. I personally love living on Bainbridge Island with access to great beaches, parks, trails, and restaurants.
Note: Check out Will’s new website where he shares a wealth of information about our local communities.
How long have you lived here?
How are you involved in the community?
Volunteering during our annual Community Service Day.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
New Agent Spotlight: Rebecca Olodort
We’re excited to feature new agent Rebecca Olodort. She knows how important it is to be a good listener, a strong advocate, and a trusted guide. Rebecca offers a wealth of information and experience and her love of home design and helping people shines through. Read on to find out more.
What unique professional experiences or skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a Realtor?
I am a detail-oriented, practical, strategic problem-solver who ran a 50M fashion business for many years. Critical to being able to do this was: listening to all involved parties.
What drew you to real estate?
A passion for helping people combined with a love of home design.
What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?
It is critical that a Realtor be trustworthy, determined and a good listener. The ability to see all sides of a situation gives me the unique opportunity to create a smooth and seamless real estate transaction.
Which areas do you serve and what do you love about those areas?
I serve King, Kitsap, Jefferson, and Clallam Counties. We have the best of all worlds in hiking, boating, and access to downtown Seattle via ferry. I love hiking the many local trails. There are really too many to mention but I highly recommend Fort Lawton Trail, Lake Crescent, and North Kitsap Heritage Park. Our favorite restaurants in North Kitsap are Kingston Ale House, Streamliner Diner, and Burrata Bistro. Another fun day for us is taking the ferry to Seattle, visiting one of the many museums (especially the Seattle Art Museum), and having a bite to eat and a lovely glass of wine at Purple Café.
How long have you lived here?
I was born in Kansas, raised in southern California, and I’ve been living in the Pacific Northwest for over 10 years. We were looking for an area with a small town feel and access to a major city with an international airport. We moved to Kingston in 2016 to design and build our forever home. Simply said, we have the best of all worlds.
How are you involved in the community?
I’m a White Horse Golf Community Board Member and their Design Review Chair. Also, I’m a volunteer for Meals on Wheels of Kitsap.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
After working for major corporations such as Estée Lauder, Swarovski, and Fossil Group, it was an organic decision to work with the most professional and successful real estate brokerage in the Pacific Northwest.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I enjoy shopping at Central Market and the local Farmers Market to select ingredients for preparing healthy meals for my husband and 96-year-old mother. In 2019, we adopted our Maltipoo, Sadie, from the Kitsap Humane Society and she is a 10-pound bundle of joy!
We are so glad to have Rebecca Olodort as a new member of our Windermere team. She’s a sincere pleasure to work with and you can connect with her on Facebook and Instagram, or visit her website.
New Agent Spotlight: Angela Winks
We are proud to feature Angela Winks in our new Q&A spotlight series. With a diverse set of skills and experiences, Angela offers buyers and sellers a focused, personalized approach with an emphasis on clear communication, positivity, and a sincere appreciation for the areas and clients she serves. Read on to find out about Angela’s background, what she loves about real estate, and more.
What drew you to real estate?
What drew me to real estate was my passion for all things “home” and my deep desire to help others. I also have always had the desire to have and manage my own business. As a business owner, personal growth and a positive mindset are a vital part of every day and I absolutely love being in an industry that constantly requires me to learn and be more so that I can give more to my family, friends, clients, and community.
What unique professional experiences or skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a Realtor?
My years of experience in the health and fitness field helped me sharpen my skills as a strong communicator and leader. As an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Director of a post-physical therapy exercise program, I had the opportunity to help clients and patients set and achieve their goals, not only safely and effectively, but in a welcoming and fun environment.
As a Realtor, I enjoy the same opportunities. Whether my clients need to sell or buy real estate, it’s important to have clear communication and a great plan. And, of course, it is always my pleasure to make the whole process as enjoyable as possible for my clients!
What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?
Realtors should possess exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship skills as well as the ability to stay open-minded, focused, organized, and creative.
Which areas do you serve and what do you love about those areas?
I happily serve Kitsap, Pierce, Mason, Jefferson, and King counties. I believe we are incredibly fortunate to live in this part of the country and Washington state. The natural beauty is astounding and the support for the communities and their wonderfully unique local businesses is second to none.
How long have you lived here?
I have lived in Kitsap County for 7 1/2 years. I came here after college because I had family scattered around the area and fell in love with the natural beauty.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
I decided to work with Windermere because of their special focus on building and nurturing relationships as well as their strong presence in the community. This is a company that truly cares about people and that is extremely important to me! They also provide the latest technology and education for their agents so we can always keep adding tools to our real estate toolbelts and serving our clients at our highest level.
We are delighted that Angela Winks has joined us. We know she will be a sincere pleasure for buyers and sellers to work with here on the Kitsap Peninsula and in Pierce, Mason, Jefferson, and King County. You can connect with Angela through her website.
