Do you know what it’s like to lose your vision? House Hunters expert Kevin O’Connor does, and he tells HGTV how he adapted to this change in his life—and how you can, too.
My Journey
I never thought I’d have to relearn how to do something as simple as touring a home. But when I lost my vision, that’s exactly what I had to do. I’m grateful, though, because the experience has taught me to use all my senses when looking at a home. Now, I can really appreciate the smell of fresh paint or the sound of a waterfall in the backyard.
If you’re considering buying a home, don’t just rely on your eyesight. Pay attention to details like the feel of carpet beneath your feet, and remember that many homes come with a no-scent policy for those with allergies. You may also want to bring someone along who can identify any architectural features that could be problematic for you, such as low ceilings or steep stairs.
5 Ways To Experience A Home Without Seeing It
- Listen to the sounds of the neighborhood and see if you can hear any construction or other noises that might be bothersome.
- Smell the air inside and outside of the home. If there are strong scents, it could be a sign of hidden mold or other problems.
- Feel the walls to see if they’re smooth or textured. You might also want to test the temperature of the rooms to see if they’re comfortable.
Smell
When you walk into a home, take a deep breath and pay attention to the smells. This can be anything from the freshness of the air to the scent of the cleaning products used. If something smells off, it could be a sign that the home isn’t well-maintained. The last thing you want is for your house to smell bad when you’re trying to sell it. Sight: Take in all the visual details as soon as possible. Check out any art on the walls or shelving in each room. Look at any furniture pieces and get an idea of how they work together before moving on to other rooms.
Touch
As someone who has lost his vision, touch is now one of the most important senses I use when touring homes. I can feel if a door is properly hung or if there are any nails sticking out. I can also tell if a countertop is made of granite or Formica. I smell furniture to see if it’s leather or fake and taste food for an indication of what it might be.
Hear
I’m an HGTV expert who recently lost my vision. Even though I can’t see homes anymore, I’ve learned how to use my other senses to get a feel for a space. Here are some tips for using all your senses when touring homes.
Taste
When you’re touring a home, it’s important to use all of your senses. This is especially true if you’re an HGTV expert and have lost your vision. Even though you can’t see the home, you can still get a sense of it by using your other senses. Smell the air, feel the textures of the walls and floors, and listen to the sounds of the home.
The Power of Vibration
I was recently introduced to the power of vibration when I lost my vision. I was skeptical at first, but after using it for a while, I found that it really helped me see my surroundings in a new way. By using vibration, I was able to identify different textures and materials, as well as get a sense of the layout of a room. Overall, I found that vibration was a great tool for helping me tour homes and get a better understanding of my surroundings. The best part is that it’s accessible to everyone. You don’t need any special equipment or training – just your hands!
