Open houses are a staple in the real estate industry. Unfortunately, many home buyers aren’t sure how to approach an open house.
If you’re just starting your home search, it’s okay to take a more casual approach to open houses. Go inside, look around, dream a little, and consider the possibilities. Discover what you like and don’t like in a home. After all, you don’t know what the various price points offer unless you look for yourself.
However, maybe you’re a bit more serious about your home search and are ready to buy now. If so, then you need to take a more strategic approach to an open house. Why? Quite simply, there’s no guarantee how long any home will stay on the market. This one open house visit may be your only opportunity to view the home before it is no longer available.
Therefore, be sure you do the following three things to make the most of your open house visit.
1. Really look at the house. If the house interests you at all, be sure you are taking the time to look at it. Open closet doors, check the ceilings, peek behind furniture, and take measurements. I realize it may feel strange looking through a stranger’s closet or peering behind their shower curtain. But this may be your only time to see the home before you make an offer. Be sure you explore every nook and cranny.
2. Take note of the neighborhood. Loving the neighborhood is just as important as loving the home. As you drive up to the home, look at the other houses. Are they of similar style and value? How are the exteriors? Is it a neighborhood you feel comfortable in? Remember that you can’t change the neighborhood once you move in, so make sure it’s one you’d want to live in and is convenient for you.
3. 
Ask the agent on duty lots of questions. Some of the most important questions to ask are:
- Are there any offers on the home? How many?
- How long has the home been on the market?
- Why are the sellers moving?
- When was the home built? What has been updated since then?
Buying a home is a major investment. Having critical information before you make an offer will ensure you’re making the best financial decision. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, remember that you can always find many great real estate tips on our Facebook page. If you’re thinking about buying or selling your home, we can help! Contact us today!