Buying a new home is an extremely exciting experience, whether it's your first or your 10th. 

There are a few etiquettes when purchasing that should be followed and your real estate agent will likely remind you of them, however, there are also a few trade secrets that you may not be aware of. 

Take these tips into consideration when purchasing your next home:

Commentary

Refrain from commentary when touring a new home, whether it be positive or negative. While buyers may not be home, there are plenty of ways for a buyer to hear what you're saying with smart home technology or nanny cams. If a buyer knows how much you love their home, they may not be willing to negotiate much on the price, whereas if they know how much you dislike about it they may be hurt and offended. 

Neighbours

Speak to the neighbours, find out what the neighbourhood is actually like, and more importantly, what they are like. You don't want to buy your dream home and find out that the neighbours are extremely nosey or practice playing the drums at 2am on a regular basis. Speaking the neighbours will give you peace of mind with regards to the area and them, it's a win-win conversation to have. 

The 85% Rule

If a home meets 85% of your requirements, it's suggested that you put in an offer. The chances of finding a home that is 100% are extremely slim. Depending on what the home is missing, chances are you can do a few small renovations and bring up to that 100% very easily. 

Agent Interviews

Having a friend or family member recommend a real estate agent to you is a great way to find someone reliable. However, it is suggested that you still interview them and ensure that their work ethic, strategies, and accessibility are what you're looking for.

Floors

Always check the floors of a home, this can tell you a lot about how well a home has been cared for. If you notice the majority of the floors are covered with area rugs, simply ask your agent remove them so you can inspect the floors carefully. 

Emotions

Buying a new home can be extremely an exciting and emotional time, however, try not to get too attached to a certain home as it can affect your business negotiations. Try to keep a clear head and think logically about the deal through all stages of the transaction. 

Buying a home can be a tricky, especially when you add in all these "rules" but having a great agent that's willing to go over and above, will help you greatly in all aspects of this process.