What to Expect When You Visit an Open House
Have a Game Plan
If you’re giving up an hour on a Sunday, you might as well set aside the entire afternoon. Research properties you want to see and schedule your day so you hit up open houses in one area, move on to the next area and so on. Allow yourself enough time to see each home and travel to the next one.
Wear a Comfortable and Appropriate Outfit
It’s not a fashion show so leave the Armani suit and Jimmy Choos at home. That said, a tank top and Daisy Dukes are inappropriate. Keep it reasonable. Plus, you’re going to do a lot of walking through rooms and up and down stairs so wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Be Polite to the Host
Don’t give the agent hosting the open house the cold shoulder. Smile and greet them. Sign in. If the agent seems pushy or is trying to solicit your business, kindly tell him you already have an agent. Thank him when you leave.
Pick the Showing Agent’s Brain
The agent at an open house may be the agent who represents the seller or another agent standing in for the listing agent. They may be trying to meet new buyers. Either way, this person is in the market and likely knows a lot about the house or the neighborhood.
Watch the People at an Open House
You may be a serious buyer, but you’re new to the market and haven’t seen enough to know how to react to a particular home, its price or how it shows. Chances are, there are more experienced buyers at the open house who do know. They can tell right off the bat if the home is overpriced, underpriced or something else.
Focus on the Property
This is not social hour, so after you’ve greeted the host, get down to business. 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. If square footage is important to you, bring a tape measure.
eXp Realty—The Results Team—is ready to help you buy or sell your home! Stop on by our location at 2623 N. Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404. Or call us at: (812)822-2746.