Open houses are undoubtedly fun. If you are shopping for a home in a certain neighborhood or price range, they are a great way for you to find out what you are getting for the money. They are also great for sellers and seller’s agents to get the word out about their latest hot property. An open house may also be your best chance for finding your dream home, so if this your first time attending one, here are some key things to know.
Plan ahead.
Planning ahead helps you make the most of your time and energy. Do some research and make a list of open houses in your target areas and map out a schedule for seeing them. Allow yourself plenty of time, especially if you want to see several homes in one day. If you know your price range ahead of time, you can avoid homes that are listed above that range. Likewise, if you are aware of comparable home values, you can avoid homes that are obviously overpriced.
Pay attention to other visitors.
If you are uncertain whether an open house is a good value for the price, watching other visitors can give you a clue. If they rush through the home and there doesn’t seem to be much interest, chances are they feel the home is overpriced, under-priced or has some other problem. On the other hand, if people are hanging out, asking questions to the host and otherwise engaged, the home might be worth a deeper look.
Respect the host.
If you are not a serious buyer, do not monopolize the agent’s time with a lot of questions and chit-chat. This is not just a party — the agent is trying to sell the home. Give her the opportunity to engage more serious buyers.
Remember this is someone’s private residence.
Unless the home is obviously vacant, assume the owner or a tenant still live there. Show the proper respect as a guest in their home. Ask permission before snapping pictures, even if you are just trying to get a sense of the space. Do not sit on the furniture without asking. Feel free to check closets and cabinets for space, but don’t rummage through them. And if you have criticisms of the home, save them for after you leave.
Be prepared to make an offer.
In a hot market like Atlanta, homes can sell quickly. If an open house is seeing a lot of foot traffic, the agent is likely to receive one or more offers. Have your pre-qualification letter handy (get one if you do not have one), and if you find an open house in your price range that you really like, do not hesitate. If you do not make an offer, chances are someone else will.
To learn more about homes for sale in the Atlanta area, give Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty a call at 404.237.5000.