09/09/2023
House hunting this Fall?
If so, an Open House or two (or 10…) is probably in your future. And that’s a good thing!
I love the excitement of going to open houses with my buyers. It’s a mostly pressure-free way to scout out homes and to continually refining your “must haves” and “nice to haves” in a home. And you might just find your dream home!
Here are a few best practices I give my clients, as well as a few faux pas I encourage them to avoid.
DO ⤵️
✔️ Go during the advertised hours. If you really have your heart set on a home and you can’t make the open house time, I can reach out to the agent for you and arrange a private showing. But don’t show up early or late to an open house — the seller and their agent might not be able to accommodate you.
✔️ Remember that the sellers probably have cameras in the home…and anything you say about the property is leverage in a negotiation. Whether you’re horrified by the outdated decor or you want to make an offer on the spot, hold your comments until you’re safely out of sight and earshot.
✔️ Be a good houseguest! If the seller requests that visitors remove their shoes, take yours off before you enter (or if protective booties are provided, put those on). After all, it’s still someone else’s home and you want to leave a good impression — especially if you wind up in multiple bids.
DON’T ⤵️
❌ Use the bathroom at an open house. Remember, you’re not a houseguest, you’re a potential buyer. Find a public restroom before you go to an open house, or wait until afterwards. In many cases, the seller has probably cleaned the bathroom specifically for showings, and in other cases (vacant listings) there may not even be water service.
❌ DON’T crowd other prospective buyers. Inventory is low and open houses get busy these days, so be courteous and give other buyers space. If another group is in a bedroom or bathroom, wait until they vacate to go in and look around. This doesn’t always apply in rooms like kitchens or living rooms, but use your best judgment.
❌ Show your hand. Not only are the sellers likely listening in via home security cameras, but the other prospective buyers and their agents are too. Even a comment about your budget can work against you. Remember that everyone else in the room is potential competition.
Have questions about attending open houses? My inbox is always open!
