THE HOME NOTEBOOK / A CLOSER LOOK

Before you fall for
the beautiful kitchen.

The rooms you love are a beginning. The questions you ask are what make a showing useful.

Bryn Mawr College entrance · regional architecture
Bryn Mawr College entrance · regional architecture
Serena Chen
Saturdays with SerenaThe home notebook

Imagine a normal Tuesday, not just the first five minutes of a showing. A short list of practical questions can help you look beyond the beautiful first impression.

Try walking through your actual day.

Where would the things you use every day go? Does the layout work for the way you live? What would you want to ask about noise, natural light, maintenance, or outdoor space?

Bring a better question.

Write down what you notice and what you still need to know. Ask qualified professionals to investigate matters outside a real-estate agent's role; a showing is not a substitute for an inspection.

What is the one detail a listing photo never tells you?

Call Serena