What Can Homebuyers Expect from an Open House?

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Have you ever wandered by an open house sign in a neighborhood and wondered what it’s like inside? Open houses are a no-pressure environment. As public and informal events with zero commitment, all are welcome! To ease your concerns about what to expect, we’re diving deep into what an open house entails and what to expect.

What is an Open House?

Usually conducted by the seller’s Real Estate or Listing Agent, you’ll most likely not meet the current homeowners. This provides visitors a way to look around the home without feeling like they’re invading another family’s space and the unique opportunity to see a home’s true possibilities.

The average open house lasts for one to three hours, although people often come and go, depending on their interest level.

Respect First

Even though the sellers will most likely not be in attendance, you’re still entering their home. Be conscious of any rules that are set in place. A general rule of thumb: don’t bring in food or drinks. You may also be asked to take your shoes off before entering certain areas or be asked to not enter a particular area at all.

Many open houses have some form of a sign-in sheet to help the seller’s agent reach out to interested parties. Although no required, it can still be helpful to fill out if you’re truly interested.

Learn As Much as You Can

If time allows, ask the person conducting the open house details about the home. Here are some questions experts recommend:

• When was the home built?
• What renovations have been made and when?
• When was the home listed?
• What appliances are included?

Other suggestions include asking about local amenities that are important to you, such as schools, gyms or walking paths, or local businesses.

What to Look For

Photos provided by a Real Estate Agent are helpful, but open houses provide unique opportunities for you to look around the home in a fashion that isn’t available online. Check the exterior of the house for peeling paint, cracks, or missing roof shingles or tiles.

Be sure to check for telltale signs of damage or poor construction inside the home as well, such as:

• Uneven floors
• Water stains
• Mold
• Cracks in walls or ceiling
• Musty smells

Practice Your Poker Face

Even though the current homeowners may not be at the open house, their Agent or other team members will be in attendance! Remember that anything you say about the property or home can be used in negotiations. Instead, take notes and keep discussions for outside of the open house.

Taking notes can assist in providing a record of issues that can help you negotiate a better deal, as well as help refresh your memory when it becomes time to decide to make an offer!

Another Step Closer to Home

Open houses are a great opportunity to envision yourself in a home. No matter what step you are in the homebuying process, know that we’re in your corner. When you’re ready to learn how we can assist in financing the home of your dreams, contact us today.