Things A Home Buyer Should Do At Every Open House
When you are searching for a home, it can be tempting to try to find an easy path to home ownership. You may want to quickly skim real estate listings, choose open houses, and attend several in the hopes that one will spark your interest. However, there is a greater complexity to successfully going to an open house than you may first realize.
If you go to an open house with the expectation that you will feel an instant love for the house, you may be deeply disappointed and miss out on the right house for you. Sometimes you may not adore the house's curb appeal, but something inside the home can turn the tide of your opinion. Be sure to do these things at each open house you attend to better help you discern whether it's the right home for you.
Introduce Yourself Directly to the Home Owner
Every open house is different, but home owners are often at the event. They may be primarily relying on the real estate agent to communicate with buyers, but you should try to talk to the home owner directly. Introduce yourself and ask a couple of questions when you meet the home owner.
Be Friendly, but Don't Volunteer Too Much Info
You want to be friendly and polite to the home owner and his or her real estate agent. However, don't be over-the-top in your initial meeting. You also don't want to reveal too much personal information. For example, don't talk about how much money you have directly available to purchase the home.
Ask Prepared Questions
Decide what you most want to know about each house you assess. Think of things that may not be obvious when you simply look at a house. From there, make a list of questions that you want to ask the home owner or real estate agent at an open house.
Be in the Moment When Seeing the House
In addition to the prepared questions, you are also likely to have more questions once you take a good look at the house. Don't hesitate to add questions that come up, too. Try to stay in the moment and look beyond the obvious when you are going through the home.
Open Cabinets, Pantries, and Closets
It's okay to open doors to closets and pantries when you're at an open house. It's not rude, and it is not even considered snooping. The house is open specifically for buyers to inspect and assess the home. Don't be shy about looking into the nooks and crannies of the home as you are shown around.
Finally, keep in mind that there are many components to an open house. Try not to judge it by its initial curb appeal unless you find something that's a definite deal-breaker from the start. Take these actions and truly consider each home. You may find that an open house is an awesome opportunity to explore a property and discover whether your dream home may be hiding in plain sight.