Dos and don’ts when visiting open house
An open house is the real estate world’s version of window shopping. It’s an opportunity to sneak a peak at a neighbor’s home and a chance to size up a potential house or neighborhood. New buyers should leverage the open house opportunity to get a feel for the market. In today’s world, using online search tools, mobile apps and the open house, a buyer can start to get a feel for pricing and the market.
But for most window-shoppers, ignoring or minimizing talk with the real estate agent at an open house lands somewhere between a challenge and a sport. It shouldn’t. But as a buyer, are you making the most of your open house visits? Here dos and don’ts during the next open house you visit.
Be polite to the host
Don’t give the agent hosting the open house the cold shoulder. The biggest fear of some newer buyers is that a real estate agent at an open house will be all over them, ask for their contact information. Don’t forget, in addition to trying to sell the home for her client, for safety reasons, the agent is keeping a look out for who is coming and going. It’s polite to say hello and introduce yourself to the agent, but you can also politely decline to sign in. If the agent seems pushy or is trying to solicit your business, kindly tell him or her that you already working with an agent.
Focus on the property
Prepared sellers will hand out a property description sheet with information like square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and special features. Don’t spend too much time on color of the paint or carpet, imagine you and your family on the home layout and configuration. 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.
Ask before taking photos and videos
Keep in mind that in many cases, the home is still someone’s private residence so before you take a photo or video, ask permission.
Look, don’t rummage
Make sure there’s enough storage space in the home, but don’t go through someone else’s private belongings. Check the width and depth of the closets, kitchen and bathroom drawers and cabinets. And while you’re at it, see if anything is broken or squeaks.
Hold the criticism until after you leave
Like you always been told, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. The seller still calls this place home, so don’t badmouth it during the tour. Who knows who may be listening — the seller, a neighbor, a friend? If you end up in a multiple offer situation where price and terms are similar, you don’t want the seller choosing the other buyer because he heard you criticizing his home.
Avoid TMI
Don’t spill out details about your situation, such as how your home search is going and when you need to move. While there’s nothing wrong with a little chit-chat, keep the conversation focused on the property. And use your best poker face. Even if you’ve walked into your ultimate dream home, don’t show any emotion.
Remember, the agent works for the seller and for seller’s best interest, so you don’t want to share any information that could compromise your bargaining position. Do not ever discuss your financial sitation such as how much you been qualified for mortgage. Anything you say can and will be and can be used against you in a potential negotiation.
Watch the other buyers
You can tell a lot about the activity and marketability of a home by watching the other buyers. They may be your competition, but they may know something you don’t about the property or neighborhood, such as the barking dog next door. Listen to other guests’ reactions to the home and engage in polite conversation.
Ask probing questions, politely
It’s okay to ask about the seller’s motivation and if there are any offers. Find out if there are special assessments or other fees, such as HOA. And it doesn’t hurt to get the agent’s insight on the neighborhood and nearby schools.
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Swee Ng, Realtor and Resident in Phoenix East Valley specializing in win-win real estate transaction through great communication and fighting for his clients’ best interest. After all, this is more than real estates, this is about your life and your dreams.If you are looking to buy or sell your home in Phoenix or surrounding area, I would the the opportunity to be interviewed for the job. Contact Us today for complimentary and no obligation consultation. I hope that you will put my experience, knowledge, service and professionalism to work for you.
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