YOUR NEXT SHOWING
A home tour checklist you can actually use.
Compare each home using the same everyday questions. Score what you observed, record what you still need to ask, and give your memory a well-earned afternoon off.
Before the tour: choose your non-negotiables
Write down three must-haves and three nice-to-haves. Keep hard limits separate from your score: a home can earn points for a beautiful yard and still miss an essential accessibility requirement. Use a consistent set of priorities for every home on your shortlist.
Home address: ____________________ Tour date: __________
My must-haves: ___________________________________________________
During the tour: look beyond the staging
| Category | What to notice or ask | Your note / 1–5 |
|---|---|---|
| Layout and flow | Walk your usual morning route: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, front door. Would the spaces work for everyone who lives with you? | ________ |
| Storage | Look for actual places for coats, groceries, laundry and the items you use often. A staged room may hide a storage shortage. | ________ |
| Natural light | Record the time and weather. Compare the rooms you would use most; one sunny afternoon does not describe the whole day. | ________ |
| Condition | Note visible concerns and questions for an inspector or qualified professional. Your tour score is not a condition assessment. | ________ |
| Outdoor space and pets | Think about the space, upkeep and access you actually want. Verify relevant rules rather than assuming a yard suits every use. | ________ |
| Privacy and noise | Notice sightlines, shared walls and audible noise. If these matter to you, revisit at a different time. | ________ |
| Location and commute | Check the trips you make most, at the times you make them. Identify destinations and routes you would want to walk. | ________ |
| Fit with your plans | Could you work, relax, host or grow here as intended? Separate an appealing possibility from a change you have confirmed is feasible. | ________ |
After the tour: score while it is fresh
- Choose a rating from 1 to 5 for each of your criteria. Use the same meaning each time: poor fit, below expectations, acceptable, good fit, excellent fit.
- Keep unanswered questions distinct from a neutral score. If something matters and you could not check it, note it for follow-up.
- Compare with your previous favorites before changing your priorities. If you change the criteria, revisit the older homes too.
In PadPickr, set your priorities in Pad Prefs, add the address in Pad Picks, and open Edit Score to rate the home. The leaderboard brings your weighted results together on a 300-point scale.
What this checklist does not tell you
A personal-fit score does not establish a property’s value, structural condition, legal status or affordability. Keep professional inspections, verified property information and your own purchase checks alongside your comparison.