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Home valuation

October 27, 2026

Searching in Plum? Give every property its own notebook page

Plum — photograph from Lauren Klein’s neighborhood guide

Pittsburgh Property Diva · Buyer & seller journal

After several showings, the details can blur: which home had the useful entry storage, which room needed measuring, and which question still needs an answer? A separate notebook page for each Plum property keeps those details attached to the right address.

Use one format throughout the search

Begin with the address, visit date, and the three priorities you want to assess. Leave room for layout, storage, access, outdoor space, and follow-up questions. Use the same headings at every viewing so the notes remain comparable.

Separate the house from its presentation

Notice room connections, door positions, usable wall space, and the route from parking to the entrance. Furniture and decor can create a strong impression, but your notes should capture the features you would live with after the seller moves.

If a room seems suitable for a particular use, write down what needs confirming. Measurements, connections, and access can matter more than the label on a floor plan.

Keep outdoor responsibilities visible

Record the outdoor areas you would use and the maintenance tasks you are willing to take on. Ask about available information rather than assuming a fence, landscaping edge, or informal path establishes a boundary.

Make your shortlist after the visit

Before moving on, spend a few minutes recording what stood out and what is unresolved. Ask permission before taking photographs, and label any images you keep. Mark each must-have as met, not met, or still unknown.

Review the shortlist with Lauren using those observations. A consistent record helps you distinguish a concern about one home from a change in your overall priorities, making the next round of viewings more focused.

Explore the Plum real estate guide