08/04/2026
Here’s what I notice.
✨The landscaping ~ I look for signs of consistent care. A well maintained landscape often tells me the homeowner has been paying attention, tending to the land, and being thoughtful over the years.
✨How the home welcomes you. The front door, the lighting, the porch, etc.
✨The feel of the neighborhood {if not on multiple acres}. Are people outside walking their dogs? Kids riding bikes? Neighbors talking to one another? Are the homes generally well cared for? A neighborhood has its own personality, and that’s just as important as the house itself (in my opinion).
✨How the home lives. Is the driveway practical for your every day routine? Does it have enough space for extra toys or your sprinter van? Is there room for guests to park?
✨Signs of everyday care ~ the big things matter but so do the little things that help show the big picture. Clean baseboards, well maintained staircases, doors and cabinets that open and close properly, windows and door jams that are clean, a fresh HVAC filter.
✨Lighting ~ is it dark in the home or is it bright and inviting?
✨The smells. Fresh, clean, and neutral is what is best. If you notice an unusual odor, make sure to look into the cause. Sometimes it’s something simple, sometimes it points to an issue worth investigating. If you suspect moisture issues, I highly recommend adding a mold test during your home inspection.
Last but not least,
✨I notice the art. I love seeing how people make a house their own. The art people choose tells a story about what they value, where they’ve traveled, what inspires them, or the life they’ve built. I notice the art, because homes are ultimately about people.
And home … is a feeling.
✨The feeling. Some homes simply feel peaceful. It could be from thoughtful design, good proportions, custom touches, natural light, the land it sits on, or the way it’s obviously been cared for throughout the years. When it comes to the feeling you get from a home, I think … when you know, you know. Listen to your gut regarding the feeling and then pay close attention to the details.