As mortgage rates begin to stabilize, many prospective buyers are restarting their home search. If you're one of them, you may have started checking out open houses or plan to do so in the near future.
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But before the house search gets underway in earnest, it's good to know what you should and shouldn't do as a buyer at an open house.
GOBankingRates spoke to two real estate agents, Sebastian Frey and Jennifer Ferland, about the most important things buyers should always do at an open house. Here's what they said:
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Introducing yourself (and agents)
Frey, an employee of Compass Realtors and Brokers and owner of the YouTube channel “Cebu Frey TV,” said buyers should always introduce themselves to the agent hosting the open house. . “And please let me know the name of your real estate agent.” [you] “We are cooperating with them,” he added.
Ferland, another real estate agent with Compass, added how important it is to introduce yourself and make a good impression on the listing agent.
“When you do end up making an offer, you want to make a good impression on the listing agent, especially if there is competition, so they remember you and keep your You can claim the offer,” she said.
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pay attention to other buyers
When you go to an open house, be aware of the other potential buyers there. This will give you a better idea of how much competition there is. Plus, you never know what their conversations might reveal about the house or the neighborhood.
“Notice how active buyers are at open houses,” Frey said. “(Discreetly) eavesdrop on the conversations that agents hosting open houses have with other buyers.”
Learn about current or previous owners
You can learn about a home's current or previous owners by contacting the registrar's office, city hall, or county tax assessor's office. However, you may want to ask the open house host about the current owner.
“Ask how long the owner has lived there,” Ferland said. “Long-term ownership can be a good sign of home quality, but low turnover can be a reason to be aware of red flags.”
Ask about current offers
Whether you're thinking of making your own offer or not, it's important to evaluate the competition by asking if there are any current offers on the home.
“Ask the agent hosting the open house if there are any offers on the property and if there is a deadline to submit an offer,” Frey said.
Just because a property already has an offer or 10 offers doesn't mean you shouldn't throw your hat into the ring. Also, knowing your existing deadlines will give you a better idea of whether that schedule works for you. If not, or if you feel like there's too much competition, it could be a sign that you should look elsewhere.
Ask about critical issues
“Ask the agent hosting the open house if they have a disclosure package or if there are any major issues with the home,” Frey said.
But don't leave it alone. Take your time and look for obvious signs of structural damage or other significant damage to your home.
“Scan for cracks in walls and ceilings, especially around doors and windows. Also, watch for warped or sloping floors, which can indicate structural problems.” said Frey.
turn off
Ferland suggested turning off the lights in different rooms of your home to better understand what you're getting in terms of natural light.
“Typically, lights are turned on during open houses to give the best look,” Ferland said. “Turning off the lights is a good way to test your home's natural light potential.”
But please be respectful about it. If someone is already in the room trying to look at something, wait until they leave or ask if they don't mind turning off the lights for a moment. Be sure to turn it back on when you're done.
take a picture
You'll need to get permission before doing this, but if the open house host gives you the green light, take photos of the location as you go. This is especially useful if you're going during busy times like weekends.
“A weekend open house is like a marathon,” Ferland said. “Once you find a potential home, be sure to take photos and notes to jog your memory when you get home.”
Check water pressure
Like lighting, knowing what the water pressure is like is key to making the right decision about whether to make an offer or walk away.
“Now, turn on the shower. Please alert the agent first,” Ferland said. “There's nothing worse than finding out your shower is nothing more than a drizzle on your first night in your new home.”
What not to do at an open house
Just like there are some things you should always do at an open house as a potential buyer, there are some things you shouldn't do. Some of the big ones are:
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Please bring your dog inside. “Don't let your dog in. Or if you do, make sure to hold it,” Ferland said. “Preparing a home for sale includes refinishing the floors, replacing the carpet, and deep cleaning. Everyone may love your pet, but the best etiquette is to leave your pet outside the front door. That’s the thing.”
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Tell them you're going to make an offer. Frey advised against discussing what offers he would make for the property. You can express interest, but providing too much information can negatively impact future negotiations.
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Arrived at the end. “Open houses usually have generous time slots. If you arrive late when the agent turns out all the lights, you won't be able to get to your next destination on time,” Ferland said. “The most courteous thing to do is to allow enough time for your agent to walk through the house before they start talking.”
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Publish your qualifications. Avoid discussing your qualifications or motivations with the agent hosting the open house, Frey said. This can also potentially damage your prospects.
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Touch or move staging or personal items. “Picking up or moving items inside the home, whether personal or staged, can be detrimental or cause unnecessary stress to owners and agents who are trying to show the home. They may even give it to you,” Ferland said.
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Say something bad about the property. “Never speak ill of a property, especially the agent hosting the open house, when someone might hear about it,” Frey says.
GOBankingRates Details
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I'm a Realtor: 8 Things Buyers Should Always Do at an Open House
