Making the Most of Your Open House Visit

Real Estate

Jun 3

In a competitive housing market, when sellers are accepting offers after the first weekend on the market, it can often be challenging to schedule a time to visit properties with your agent. This is where the open houses come into the picture. Most properties offer at least two open house times. As a buyer, it’s in your best interest to attend these…with a strategy. Our Buyer Agent, Thais Collins, put pen to paper and outlined some critical steps to getting the most out of your open house visit.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Take advantage of time you have before the open house to drive by the property and get a feel for the neighborhood. If possible, try driving by at a couple of different times of day.
Discuss the lot with your agent. Review the plot lines, any wetlands or flood insurance requirements, possible conservation regulations, etc.
Evaluate commute times, proximity to schools or other area amenities, nearby shops, access to public transportation options, and any other important search criteria.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AVAILABLE TIME

If the seller allows (check with your agent!), take your own photos and videos of the spaces you like and dislike the most. You’ll be able to analyze the property more effectively when comparing to the listing photos later on.
Bring a tape measure for critical areas such as laundry, garage doors or to ensure your king-sized bed can make the move.

BE CONSCIENTIOUS

Although restrictions have been lifted, COVID is not eradicated, and some homeowners may not yet be comfortable with mask-less guests in their house. Plan to have a mask in case it is required.
If you have them at your disposal or can snag some from your Buyer Agent, bring your own shoe covers to save time getting in and out of the house.
Give people space and be prepared to wait to enter the home or parts of the property if the open house is crowded.

IGNORE ANY CLUTTER

Try not to get distracted by the sellers’ décor, personal belongings or photo collections.
Focus on space and the natural lighting throughout the house as those may be harder to change.
Take note of elements that are dated, but could be easily revamped, such as old-fashioned countertops, scuffed hardwood floors or worn carpets.
Pay attention to storage space and how the sellers manage overflow of belongings – this may provide inside into any shortfalls of closet or pantry space.

FOCUS ON THE BIG-TICKET ITEMS

Learn about important systems and their age versus lifetime expectancy beforehand: roof, windows, HVAC systems, water/sewer, appliances. All of these systems require maintenance and awareness of their condition is key to making a competitive offer.
Budget replacements and repairs in order of priority based on condition. This practice will allow you to have greater financial clarity in preparing a competitive and realistic offer.

Time is a limited commodity; focus on what’s important. A competitive market means that buyers have less time in houses before making a monumental decision. Use the resources at your disposal and take advantage of services and support offered by your Buyer Agent.