Anyone for an open house? With the spring real estate market under way, it’s a great time to take advantage of the numerous open houses in the area.
An open house plan helps avoid wasted time and home-hunting burnout.
Use these 5 tips to make the most of your open house efforts…
1. Know what you want in a home.
Creating a must-have checklist narrows down your open house list to homes that likely fit your needs. For example, there’s no sense in viewing a multi-level property when you need one-level living. Be sure to include major components on your list, such as the type of street you prefer and proximity to amenities like parks and hospitals.
2. Plan your tour route.
With your checklist in hand, scan over posted open houses online and note the ones that match your criteria. Use your GPS to map out the best route to see each one. From here, you can start with the one closest to your current residence working your way outward to the farthest one. If you have a fair amount of driving to do between homes, you may want to reverse the order. Get the longer drive done first, then make your way back home.
3. Pace yourself.
If you’re viewing homes when you’re tired you run the risk of missing out on something important. You make like a house but neglect to notice there’s not much in terms of closet space; or forget that the home you last saw needed a new roof. Keep it to a maximum of 4-5 open houses in a day.
4. Take a picture; it lasts longer.
Take pictures, with permission. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when viewing multiple properties in one day. Do your memory a favor and take pictures of the points you like best and least in a home; just be sure to ask the attending agent before you snap photos. While you want a picture to remember, it may be too much of an invasion in privacy for the current owner. By asking first, you show a level of respect which could translate into a positive result towards your offer, should you try to strike a deal. If photos are not allowed, take notes instead.
5. Dress for success.
Dress comfortably. Do yourself a big favor and wear comfortable shoes and clothes. A good pair of walking shoes are a must, as you may need to navigate stairs or uneven terrain.
With some basic planning, you can get more from your open house viewings.
When you’re ready to buy or sell your home, working with an experienced Realtor who knows the local market helps make the process a smooth one. Contact me, Stephen Theard, at (408) 472-0817 and let’s talk about your next chapter.
You must be logged in to post a comment.