Whether you are just looking because you are considering to jump into the market or you have been searching for weeks and come across an open house near your neighborhood... here are some guidelines to make your Open House tour a pleasant experience.
1. Have a Game Plan: If you plan to give up an hour on a Sunday to view local open houses, set aside most of the afternoon. This will allow yourself enough time to see each home and travel to the next one.
2. Be Polite to the Real Estate Host: Even if you already are working with a real estate agent, don't give the agent house the cold shoulder. Smile and greet them. Sign In, if you wish. If the agent seems pushy or is trying to solicit your business, kindly tell him you already have an agent. Thank them when you leave.
3. Focus on the Property: Prepared sellers will hand out a property description sheet with information like square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and special features. Use it to take notes and check off things as you walk through the house.
4. Ask before you take pictures or record video: The home is still someone's private residence so before you snap a photo or pull out the camcorder, ask permission.
5. Feel before you sit: Some homes for sale are empty and staged with furniture. Make sure to check the furniture is stable before plopping on the sofa or chairs.
6. Look In (Not Rummage through) Closets, Built-In Drawers, and Cabinets: Make sure there's enough storage in the home, but don't go through someone else's private belongings. Check the width and depth of the closets, kitchen and bathrooms drawers, and cabinets. And while you're at it, see if anything is broken or squeaks.
7. Hold the Criticism til after you leave: The seller calls the place home, so don't badmouth it during the tour. Who knows who may be listening - the seller, a neighbor, a friend? If you end up in a multiple offer situation where price and terms are similar, you don't want the seller choosing the other buyer because he heard you criticizing his home.
8. Avoid TMI (too much information): There is nothing wrong with a conversation but keep the conversation foucs on the property and not about your situation and how your home search is going and when you need to move. Use your best poker face. Even if you've walked inot your ultimate dream home, don't show any emotion.
Remember, the agent works for the seller so you don't want to share any information that could compromise your bargaining position.
9. Ask probing questions, politely: It's okay to ask about the seller's motivation and if there are any offers. Find out if there are special assessments or other fees. It doesn't hurt to get the agent's insight on the neighborhood and nearby schools.
NOTE: sometimes the open house is filled with open house agent than the actual listing agent who may or may not know the answers to your question.
10. Listen to other buyers: They may be your competition, but they may know something you don't about the property or he/she can't answer certain questions (like those that fall under fair housing laws).
For more tips, advice and information on open house, visit FRONTDOOR's openhouse website.
1. Have a Game Plan: If you plan to give up an hour on a Sunday to view local open houses, set aside most of the afternoon. This will allow yourself enough time to see each home and travel to the next one.
2. Be Polite to the Real Estate Host: Even if you already are working with a real estate agent, don't give the agent house the cold shoulder. Smile and greet them. Sign In, if you wish. If the agent seems pushy or is trying to solicit your business, kindly tell him you already have an agent. Thank them when you leave.
3. Focus on the Property: Prepared sellers will hand out a property description sheet with information like square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and special features. Use it to take notes and check off things as you walk through the house.
4. Ask before you take pictures or record video: The home is still someone's private residence so before you snap a photo or pull out the camcorder, ask permission.
5. Feel before you sit: Some homes for sale are empty and staged with furniture. Make sure to check the furniture is stable before plopping on the sofa or chairs.
6. Look In (Not Rummage through) Closets, Built-In Drawers, and Cabinets: Make sure there's enough storage in the home, but don't go through someone else's private belongings. Check the width and depth of the closets, kitchen and bathrooms drawers, and cabinets. And while you're at it, see if anything is broken or squeaks.
7. Hold the Criticism til after you leave: The seller calls the place home, so don't badmouth it during the tour. Who knows who may be listening - the seller, a neighbor, a friend? If you end up in a multiple offer situation where price and terms are similar, you don't want the seller choosing the other buyer because he heard you criticizing his home.
8. Avoid TMI (too much information): There is nothing wrong with a conversation but keep the conversation foucs on the property and not about your situation and how your home search is going and when you need to move. Use your best poker face. Even if you've walked inot your ultimate dream home, don't show any emotion.
Remember, the agent works for the seller so you don't want to share any information that could compromise your bargaining position.
9. Ask probing questions, politely: It's okay to ask about the seller's motivation and if there are any offers. Find out if there are special assessments or other fees. It doesn't hurt to get the agent's insight on the neighborhood and nearby schools.
NOTE: sometimes the open house is filled with open house agent than the actual listing agent who may or may not know the answers to your question.
10. Listen to other buyers: They may be your competition, but they may know something you don't about the property or he/she can't answer certain questions (like those that fall under fair housing laws).
For more tips, advice and information on open house, visit FRONTDOOR's openhouse website.
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