The home buyers who win, all have one skill: they see the truth of a house before falling in love with it.

TL;DR

If you’re buying in Niceville, Shalimar, or Fort Walton Beach, the best skill you can bring into a showing is simple: learn to see the house quickly, before emotion takes over. You can learn more in the first 60 seconds than most people notice in an hour.

Here’s the method I teach buyers:

1. Start in the Car

Pause before stepping out.
Look at the street, the nearby homes, how people care for their spaces, the noise level, and how cars park.
You’re asking one question: Does the setting feel like somewhere you’d want to live?

2. Look at the Roof

A quick glance tells you a lot.
Are the shingles laying flat?
Are branches brushing the roof?
Anything that catches your eye here is worth future questions and clarity, not worry.

3. Walk the Perimeter

Take 15 seconds to circle the exterior.
Look at the foundation lines.
If you notice any irregular patterns or previous repairs, just make a mental note to learn the story later.

4. Check the Yard

After rain, where does water sit?
Standing water in the lawn or near the home is something to understand, not fear.
Good drainage helps protect everything else.

5. Inside: Start With the Floors

Floors show the home’s history.
Soft spots, dipping areas, or discoloration simply mean you’ll want more information.
Tile that shifts underfoot or has visible wear is something to price into the future.

6. Walls & Ceilings

Take a slow look upward.
Stains, patching, or larger cracks are simply signals to ask, “When was this addressed?”
Most homes have settling lines — you’re just identifying what deserves a second look.

7. Windows

Feel how they open and close.
Look for clarity in the glass.
Windows are a meaningful investment, so you want to know their age and condition early.

8. Fireplace & Chimney

If a fireplace hasn’t been used in years, moisture may have collected.
That doesn’t mean trouble — it simply means an inspection matters.

9. Systems: Electrical, HVAC, Water Heater and Plumbing

These areas shape long-term comfort.
You’re noting whether they appear maintained, modernized, or ready for future investment.

10. Under-Sink Check

Open every cabinet.
Look for moisture, staining, or aging hardware.
Small signs tell helpful stories about ongoing care.

Bottom Line

You’re not hunting for problems, you’re building awareness.
See the home clearly, ask good questions.

Always Use Licensed Professionals: No Exceptions

When you’re buying a home, there’s one rule I want you to take seriously:
Always use licensed professionals to inspect every major system, roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, pool, septic, and everything in between.

This is not Costco or Sam’s Club.
You can’t take a house back once you own it.
There’s no customer service line, no “Oops, we changed our mind,” no simple return process.

A licensed professional:

• knows what to look for

• documents everything clearly

• gives you leverage during negotiations

• protects you from expensive surprises later

A good inspection doesn’t kill deals, it prevents regret.

Whether you’re buying in Niceville, Shalimar, or Fort Walton Beach, treat the inspection phase like an investment, not an inconvenience. It’s the only chance you have to fully understand the home before you take responsibility for every inch of it.