Home Buyers - 5 Things You Should Bring to an Open House

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You want to find the perfect home to buy with the help of your College Station, TX realtor. Part of the process includes visiting several open houses to check out properties in the area you want to live in. This is not only a great idea for looking at particular homes but also for getting a feel for the neighborhoods. While some people go to an open house just for curiosity’s sake, serious shoppers should prepare.

Here is a list of five things I think you should bring to every open house you attend:

1 – A Smart List of Questions

Do some homework for each property before you attend an open house. Jot down a list of intelligent questions to ask that aren’t covered somewhere else. Although, agents usually give out a data sheet of the home’s details when you walk through the door, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask questions of the real estate agent hosting the open house.

2 – A Tape Measure and a Notebook

While the total dimensions of each room should be listed in an info sheet, some areas may need measuring to see if your furniture will fit. You shouldn’t spend two hours crawling around the house measuring each doorway and windowsill; however, it’s perfectly acceptable to measure and make notes about closet size, door clearance, and ceiling height. A small notebook or a notes feature on your smartphone can be very useful for remembering details.

3 – A Camera-Equipped Phone or a Digital Camera

Taking pictures of things that weren’t included in the real estate listing might be a good idea. However, I recommend that you always ask permission to take photos or video before you do so. This is especially important if the homeowner is still residing there.

4 – Comfortable Shoes and Appropriate Clothing

An open house requires walking around the property and climbing up and down stairs. You might even get down on the floor to look at things. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that won’t reveal too much as you bend and stretch. Let me suggest that you leave the ripped jeans and joke T-shirts at home, though.

5 – Good Listening Skills

Not only should you listen to the realtor hosting the open house, the other people viewing it may give you some interesting information as well. You can gauge their interest and try to figure out if they’re going to make an offer or not. Also, they might have some details about the neighborhood that you’re unaware of. For example, if you hear another viewer talk about a barking dog or nonstop basketball in the street, it can help you make your decision about the property.

Real estate open houses provide the opportunity to really experience a property. You can imagine living in a house much better when you’re walking around in it than if you only view photos on a computer screen. With the proper planning, tools, and a bit of investigative work, you can make an open house much more helpful when it comes time for finding your dream home.

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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!