As a home buyer, don’t underestimate the value of an open house. During this visit, a potential buyer interacts with the house and collects as much information on the home as they can. It is the seller’s job to make sure these interactions are positive.
How can new home buyers take complete advantage of an open house? Take a look at the list below!
- Anyone can participate in an open house, serious buyer or not. Therefore, it’s easy for a new, inexperienced buyer to stop in a visit and learn about the market. A new buyer can get a feel for pricing without feeling too obligated to commit to an agent. They should use the open-house as a way to learn without commitment!
- An open house can also be used to start strong buyer/agent relationships. Being exposed to industry professionals can make an unsure, new buyer feel more confident in the housing market.
- Observing other buyers who are participating in the open-house can also give new home buyers information about the home activity and marketability. If attendees are going in and out quickly, there are likely some issues with the house. A house is usually well-priced and high quality if attendees are sticking around and discussing the home and its features.
- Asking questions is huge. The hosting agent obviously knows, or at least should know, more than anyone else about both the property and the seller. Getting information on even the small things can give a good idea on how the home is priced. Ask questions like: “How long has the home been on the market?” “Have you had a lot of showings?” “How old is the home?” This information can give the buyer an idea of why it’s priced a certain way, how in demand this home is and if there are any hidden issues.
- Finding out why the seller is selling is a key as well. The reason they are selling could be a reason for the buyer to back out! The seller might like the house but dislike the location in an unpleasant neighborhood. This is something a buyer won’t know until they ask!