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Welcome to spring! All of us involved in real estate hope for a bustle of activity this season. After all, it’s the traditional homebuying – and selling – season. With that in mind, our team wanted to provide a list of house tips. Usually, these pieces are geared toward the seller or their listing agent.
However, it’s a great time to provide advice for buyers, too. After all, if more people are actively looking to buy this season, we all benefit.
Without further ado, here are three things buyers should know about attending an open house.
It’s OK to just look at open houses. Lookie-loos get a bad rep, but if you’re just starting the buying journey, it’s OK to go to open houses in your desired area without intentions to buy right away. Exploring multiple properties is a great way to gauge what’s on the market, and doing so may even help narrow down what you’re looking for in your next home. Open houses can be stressful for first-time buyers, but they’re often low-key events that get easier as you go along.
Take notes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There’s an agent host for a reason. They want you to be interested in the property. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask that person questions about the property, including concerns about utilities or maintenance. However, don’t feel pressure to return the favor. Taking notes and pictures will help you recall the property and remember what you liked – and didn’t like – about a specific home. (The property should also have a listing packet for your taking.)
Leave pets and kids at home if you can. An open house is an occasion that deserves your full attention. Being mindfully present can help you spot something important about the house and tell your brain and the world that you are here and ready to buy if the house is right. There will be plenty of time to determine if the rest of the family likes a home during the home search process down the road.
Open houses are a valuable tool for buyers, whether you’re just starting your search or ready to make an offer. By exploring properties, asking questions, and staying focused, you’ll gain confidence in your home search and be better prepared to make an informed decision. Happy house hunting!
Whether you’re a buyer, title company or Realtor, the BBS Notary team is ready to help provide expert mobile notary service as a real estate transaction of any kind nears the finish line. Like our new Facebook page and reach out to us anytime!
