Open houses are the perfect way to find out first-hand exactly how a potential new home looks and feels to you. Sure, photographs and listings are excellent to assist while browsing online, but to really get a good feel of the home itself, you need to see it in person.
If you are on the hunt for a new home and you’re planning on browsing open houses in your preferred areas, we recommend preparing yourself beforehand. It can be easy to get lost in the aura of a new home; you can get distracted with the details of the home as well as the look and feel of the bedrooms, bathrooms, and yard space.
While it’s important to see everything in person, it’s also important to come to open houses prepared. It’s fun to tour and daydream of your new home while being in one, but open houses should be treated as professional as business meetings. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of the open houses you tour in the upcoming weeks:
1. Be Early
The early bird truly gets the worm! If you spot an open house or your realtor sends you an opportunity, don’t wait. Sure, we have obligations like work, school, and kids, but ultimately, you want to make sure you are early to the party when it comes to open houses.
Homes are flying off the market, so be prepared to have some open spaces in your schedule for if and when those open houses arrive. Get there early so you have plenty of time to browse, ask questions, and take in the full effect of the house itself. When you’re rushing, or running late, you could miss some important details while touring the home. Being early allows you to take your time, take a breath, and take in the surroundings around you without being stressed out.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Sometimes, we get so swept away by the home itself, we forget to inquire as to why the home is the way it is. If you’re prone to becoming star-struck by the look of a home, write some questions down prior to the open house. Keep them in a notebook that you bring to every open house or secure them in a note app on your cell phone.
It can feel awkward to ask multiple questions, but this is a huge opportunity, and a giant purchase so don’t be afraid to inquire and get the answers you need to effectively decide on an open house.
3. Take Your Time
Rushing through an open house is the worst thing you can do. Take your time. Evaluate everything. Browse rooms multiple times if needed. Review everything according to your pace and don’t be afraid to revisit certain areas of the home, open cabinets, and closets, and peek at everything under the hood. It’s welcomed during this process and homeowners and realtors prepare for you to do this, so there is no need to rush!
4. Take Pictures & Notes for Later
Grab that handy-dandy notebook and scribble down your thoughts as you browse through each room. Use your phone to take pictures to look at later. Do whatever you can to absorb and document the experience. What you glaze over now, could potentially come up later down the line, which is why having pictures and notes are necessary for reviewing after the open house. Plus, after viewing so many different homes, you may forget which one is which. Photos and bullet points really come in handy when viewing multiple homes and multiple times.
6. Follow Up
After the open house, make sure you follow up with your agent. If you love a home, make sure you get on the ball for next steps. If you disliked a home, have an open and honest conversation with your agent on why you disliked the home and what you would prefer for future open houses. The more transparent you are about your likes and dislikes, and the more information you provide will help your realtor narrow down future potential open houses that align with what you are looking for. This is an exciting time, so don’t feel like you are being a bother; you are doing your job and taking control of the situation to make sure you find a home you love. Your realtor is on your side, and here to help in any way possible!
Are you ready to find your dream home? We’re here to help! Contact BSR Realty Group today.
