7 Home Buying and Selling Tips From the Property Brothers

HGTV hosts Jonathan and Drew Scott offer their expertise on buying in new construction, getting to know the neighborhood, staging for a quick sale and more.
Renovated Living Room with Drew and Scott

Drew and Scott Pose in Renovated Living Room

Hosts Drew and Jonathan Scott in Andrea and Santino's newly renovated living room, as seen on Buying and Selling.

From: Buying and Selling

Photo by: Caitlin Cronenberg

Caitlin Cronenberg

Jonathan says: “In order to pump these homes out as fast as the builders want to, some of them cut corners like not waiting long enough for concrete to cure properly or hiring untrained labor forces. I’m not saying new construction is bad; you just want to find a builder who has a quality product – it’s going to last a lot longer.” 

Do your homework when buying a brand-new home.

Jonathan says: “In order to pump these homes out as fast as the builders want to, some of them cut corners like not waiting long enough for concrete to cure properly or hiring untrained labor forces. I’m not saying new construction is bad; you just want to find a builder who has a quality product – it’s going to last a lot longer.” Watch the video below for more tips from Jonathan on buying a brand-new home.

Know the hidden costs of buying a home.

Drew says: “Over and above the actual purchase price of the home, you may have to dish out some money for land transfer fees, mortgage costs, home insurance, legal costs and title insurance. Ask your real estate agent for a complete list of all the estimated closing costs so the only surprises you get will be the good ones. Watch the video below for more tips from Drew on avoiding costly buying mistakes.

Never skip the home inspection.

Jonathan says: “I can’t stress enough how important it is to get a home inspection, whether you’re getting a fixer-upper or or something brand new. The seller most likely will cover any costs of a problem that pops up. If you’re putting an offer in, make it subject to a home inspection, so that way nobody else is going to swoop in and take the property out from under you, and it gives you enough time to make sure the house is actually a good investment.” Watch the video below for more tips from Jonathan and Drew on what to look for during a home inspection.

Get to know the neighborhood before buying.

Drew says: “Nothing compares to actually walking the neighborhood prior to buying in the community. Pounding the pavement will give you a clear image as to how noisy it is, the density of traffic and what your neighbors are like. Getting to know the locals will give you that insider scoop as to whether or not this is the kind of neighborhood you want to raise your family in.” 

Don’t fall for love at first sight.

Drew says: “I always recommend touring at least 10 houses before you put an offer in on one. The first few houses may seduce you aesthetically, but may not really have what you need. When you walk through a home, have a checklist in hand; write down the pros, write down the cons and rate that house from 1 to 10. At the end of a long house hunting day, all the houses are going to blend together, and it’s that checklist that’s going to be the saving grace and will get you your dream home.” Watch the video below for more home-searching tips from Drew.

Put safety first when remodeling a home.

Jonathan says: “We make it look like a lot of fun on TV, but things can go seriously wrong if you just blast through a wall with wild ambition. Plan first: For safety, you want to have glasses, masks and gloves. Go down to the circuit breaker and make sure you shut off any electrical in the wall. Finally, just stop frequently and investigate inside the wall where you’ve opened it up to make sure there are no other surprises.” 

Simple staging tactics go a long way toward making a quick sale.

Drew says: “Depersonalize: Pack up the family photos and artifacts. Declutter: Clean off the countertops and pack away the knickknacks. As a final touch, make your house sparkle: Wash the windows and clean away the old cobwebs. Simple steps make a huge difference and can lead to a sold sign on your house.” Watch the video below for more staging tips from Drew.

Next Up

5 Types of Neighbors and How to Handle Them

You may love your house, but getting stuck with bad neighbors may have you thinking about putting up a for-sale sign. Here are some tips on dealing with rude, sloppy or nosy neighbors, and even those mean ones with spite houses.

How to Refinish Hardwood Floors

It takes some elbow grease to refinish hardwood floors, but it's worth it. Hardwood floors add value to your home and provide a classic look that goes with any style.

Quick Tips for Second-Home Buyers

These four questions will help you decide if a second home is right for you.

7 Negotiating Tips for Homebuyers

Remember these tips during the deal-making process of your home purchase.

Options for First-Time Homebuyer Assistance

You're about to buy your first home. What options do you have for state and federal financial help?

Protecting Your Home & Finances in Tough Times

4 steps to take to weather a recession.

Q&A: A NYC Broker on the Benefits of 'Test Driving' Homes

On the fence about a prospective home? Some brokers are letting buyers try out homes before they sign on the dotted line.

How to Recession-Proof Your Home Purchase

First-time homebuyers, word to the wise: Look for attributes that add value to your new home to help combat falling prices. Here, basic guidelines to follow.

Money Stuff You Need to Do Before Buying A Home

You know how to look for a house, but the money part is trickier. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the financial details of a home purchase that need to be worked out months before you want to move in.

My Home Appraisal is Lower Than Expected!

If your home is appraised at lower than your sale price, don't freak out. Take real estate expert Tara-Nicholle Nelson's savvy advice.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.