An open house is “a scheduled time when a house for sale is designated to be available for viewing by potential buyers” according to Investopedia.
You and your real estate agent visit an open house to access its features, livability and make a decision to submit an offer.
Mistakes most home buyers make
Many home buyers look only of the most interesting room. They will look at the kitchen layout, move quickly through the common rooms, and end up in the master bedroom. All this time, they are imagining life within the house. What are they missing? The trouble signs.
What to look for during an Open House
Avoid this scenario by remembering to look at the following:
- Neighborhood Does the neighborhood take good care of their homes and yards? Is this a place where you will feel safe? If you have children, are you living near a dangerous road?
- house exterior: Check the exterior paint for signs of chips or cracks. Look for unusual standing water. How does the roof look, can you see any loose or missing shingles that will require updates soon. If you can’t tell, ask. How close is the house next door.
- Layout of the house: Is it easy to move around? Are the bedrooms secure and private, or is it easy to see into your windows from the neighbor’s house or the sidewalk? Can you hear street traffic?
- Where will you spend most of your time? Most families congregate in the kitchen and the living room. Are these two spaces inviting? Is there space enough for your family and friends?
- Think like an inspector: Check for weird smells, cracks, and signs of disrepairs. Do door close easily. If you notice anything that worries you, walk away or ask the owner or realtor for an explanation.
Overall, you should be as careful as possible to give the home a thorough visit. We are trained to be polite when we enter other people’s homes, so this might feel unnatural to you.
