10 Tips for Buyers at an Open House

The process of buying a home can be stressful, even for the most seasoned of movers and re-locators. When it comes to buying a house, one of the best places to start is to attend open houses in order to get a feel for the type of home, neighborhood, and general location that fulfills you and your family’s needs. The real estate market is particularly hot right now and that means more competition for buyers. As such, understanding the general processes associated with open houses in addition to open house etiquette is essential to getting a leg up on the competition and getting the right home for you.

The following are some important tips for buyers attending upcoming open houses:

1. Dress appropriately. We suggest wearing something comfortable, as you will be doing a lot of walking while touring homes.
2. Create a general plan of action. Strategically plan your day so that you can attend as many open houses in the area as possible.
3. Be prepared to take photos, but ask permission from the seller before doing so.
4. Be courteous to the homeowner and agent, but don’t be afraid to tell the agent that you are already working with someone if they try to solicit your business.
5. Prepare a mental checklist of important things to you and your family. Make sure that the property checks all of the boxes that are important to you.
6. Be wary of how much personal information you divulge. While you certainly want to be friendly, sharing too many details may put you in a compromising position when negotiating prices in the future.
7. Keep an open ear for other buyers in the home. Oftentimes other potential buyers bring up great points and ask important questions that you may not have thought to ask.
8. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions in a polite manner. You are looking to make a major purchase, be sure to gather all of the information that your desire.
9. Understand that you are in someone else’s home when you are looking through cabinets, drawers, and the like. You’ll want to strike a balance between making sure these things are in good condition without appearing as though you are rummaging through their personal items.
10. Keep commentary to a minimum. Ask questions but hold off on giving your opinion. Overly negative feedback is rude and impolite, while overly positive feedback can hurt your ability to negotiate in the long-run.

Are you planning on attending an open house soon? If so, be sure to keep these suggestions in mind while you begin your house hunt. If you are considering entering the real estate market, we recommend contacting our office to ensure that you are in the strongest possible position prior to signing a contract.