10 Buyer Tips for Going to an Open House

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If you have never bought a house before, you may be a bit nervous about attending open houses because you don't know what to expect. Even if you have been on the market for some time, there are always new things to learn about the process that can help you find your dream home. Open houses are quite popular methods of getting potential buyers in the door and talking with the seller's real estate agent. What you do, how you act and what you ask during an open house is an important part of the process.

1 – Be prepared for the open house experience. Wear comfortable, appropriate clothing and shoes. Always bring a notebook, pen or pencil or other recording device and a camera if pictures are allowed.

2 – Research before making your plan. While going to open houses may be fun for you, not focusing on houses in your price range or the right neighborhoods is a waste of everyone's time.

3 – Always be polite and considerate. It is the seller's agent's job to show you the house, but this does not mean they are your personal tour guide. Use your best manners and do not commandeer the agent's time if there are other people viewing the house.

4 – Remember that this is someone's private home. While you can certainly open closet doors to see how large they are, an open house is not permission to paw through someone else's belongings. Treat every part of the house and everything in it with respect.

5 – Pay attention to other buyers and open house visitors. Do other shoppers leave quickly? Do they ask a lot of questions you are interested in as well? Seeing how more experienced open house goers react to the house and the price can help you make up your mind.

6 – Ask intelligent questions. Do not ask questions that are already covered in the real estate ads or information sheets.

7 – Sign in and take the information sheets. Most open houses have sign in sheets or books to keep track of how many people came to the showing. Sign in but feel free to omit your contact information if you are not completely interested in the house.

8 – Learn to ignore décor. Open houses are frequently given in homes where the owners are still living. This means their family photos, favorite knickknacks and everyday stuff might still be sitting around. Even if the real estate agent staged the home professionally, it is important to look past the décor and judge the actual building.

9 – Engage all your senses: look, listen and smell. The house may look wonderful, but is the neighborhood noisy? Does the ductwork or plumbing clunk and clank when it is used? Is there a funny smell in the kitchen or exhaust drifting in from a nearby highway? Use all your senses at an open house.

10 – Never make decisions about buying on the spot. This is especially important if you are going to the open house with a spouse or significant other. Take some time away from the house and agent to discuss your honest opinions about the property.

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Sarah Miller, your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station can help you discover a lot of great tips for making a profitable sale of your home. Call Sarah Miller at 979-255-1904 for your real estate needs in Bryan-College Station and the entire Brazos Valley!