Open House Hunting: How to Get the Best Deal on Your Next Home
Tuesday, October 4, 2016, 6:00 AM | Leave Comment
Buying a home can be an exciting but overwhelming task. You probably have a realtor you’re working with, and you scour the internet resources to find the place you will call home.
However, there may be one key step that you are missing. How many open houses have you visited in your search for a new home? While open houses are there to generate a buzz about the property, they are also a great way to really see the house without any pressure.
You can leave the realtor behind, and go check out the property and see what others have to say.
An open house is a great time to give a home the once over. You need to hear what others see and observe too. Others touring the property might find issues you wouldn’t even have noticed.
Additionally, they might see key features that you might overlook. It’s always great to hear someone else’s opinion on the home and see what kind of competition you have.
Here are some tips for your open house hunt to make things go smoothly.
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Have A Game Plan
If you are visiting several open houses on any given day, you need to make sure that you have ample time to spend at each property.
Don’t schedule so many in a day that you don’t have adequate time to really evaluate each one. Saturday and Sunday are the biggest days for open house marketing, so clear your schedule and make sure it allows about an hour at each property.
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Focus on The Property
While it may be nice to socialize with the others at the open house, make sure to put your focus on the property. Keep your ears open to hear what they have to say, but keep your eyes focused on the house and all its attributes.
The Home Town Team at RE/MAX Integrity recommend steering clear of open houses with any areas of the home closed off—these are likely problem areas, and a big warning sign for potential buyers.
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Take Plenty of Pictures and Video
Taking pictures is especially important if you are visiting more than one home. Later, you can sit down and evaluate each property with a clear mind. Pictures are valuable in the evaluation of each home.
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Don’t Pressure The Host
If you are serious about making an offer, the host will only be able to help so much. They may or may not be a realtor. Sometimes, agencies hire people to step in and host their open houses for them.
In most cases, this person isn’t going to be able to haggle on price or tell you what’s the bottom dollar.
Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you will be doing a great deal of walking. The open house searching method is one that is a bit different, but it sure makes all the difference. You don’t feel the pressure of a realtor and you have ample time to explore. Of course, the free treats are just another perk of touring these homes.
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