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5 Things I Wish Every Buyer Knew Before Their First Showing in Woodbury
A few honest, practical notes for buyers heading into their first round of Woodbury showings.
Every buyer's first showing goes a little differently than they expect. Here are five things I try to mention before we walk into that first house together.
1. Bring your questions, not just your Pinterest board
It's easy to walk in focused on paint colors and fixtures. The more useful habit is asking about the roof age, the furnace, and when the windows were last replaced — the things that are expensive to fix and easy to overlook in the moment.
2. Open every closet and cabinet
Not because you're nosy — because storage is one of the hardest things to judge from photos, and it's one of the most common regrets buyers mention after moving in.
Quick tip
Take a photo of the electrical panel and water heater on every showing. It sounds unnecessary until you're comparing five houses a week later and can't remember which one had the newer furnace.
3. Trust the smell test
Musty basements, strong air freshener, or a very recent paint job in one specific room are all worth a second look — sometimes it's nothing, sometimes it's covering something.
4. Don't fall for the "perfect" listing photos
Wide-angle lenses and great light can make a small room look spacious. Bring a tape measure if a specific piece of furniture matters to you.
5. Take notes right after, not the next day
Homes blur together fast once you're touring three or four in a weekend. A few voice memos or photos with quick notes make a real difference when you're comparing later.
Dave's Local Insight
The buyers who make the best decisions aren't the ones who see the most houses — they're the ones who actually remember the details of the ones they liked.
Written by Dave Brown
REALTOR®, LPT Realty
Dave Brown is a REALTOR® with LPT Realty who has spent his career helping families buy, sell, and settle into life in Woodbury, Minnesota and the surrounding East Metro. He writes Woodbury Living as a local resource first and a business second — every guide is meant to leave you better informed, whether or not you ever work together.
Need help buying or selling in Woodbury?
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