Answers by Katie Pond

Congratulations, Grayson, that is exciting. When interviewing agents, ask if they have a comprehensive buyer's guide. Many times, a good buyer's guide will answer many first-time homebuyer questions and set you up for a productive interview and a successful process. Our buyer's guide is set up for California buyers but is very helpful. I'm happy to send you a copy if you like. Email me at [email protected].

Beyond the visual appeal, buyers should pay attention to the underlying condition of the home. Some key things to look for include the age and condition of the roof, cracks in walls or ceilings, uneven flooring, musty odors, and drainage around the property (for example, whether the ground slopes toward the house). These types of clues can sometimes signal larger issues that may not be immediately obvious during a showing. A good agent will always look beyond the staging and cosmetic updates to assess the property's overall condition and help buyers identify potential red flags before moving forward.