Regardless of your purchasing timeline, if you want to buy a house then you should start touring Open Houses. Here are a few pointers:
What do you have to prepare to attend an open house? Nothing! You don't need to be signed with an agent, you don't need a pre-approval letter from a lender, nor any other qualifications. The host of the open will request your contact information to track who is touring their client's home, then leave you to wander around and tour the home. If you have hired a buyer's agent, you can fill in their information so your agent can provide that follow up on your behalf.
What are you looking to accomplish by attending an Open House? This is a perfect opportunity to begin checking off which zip codes, communities or even neighborhood streets most align with your needs/wants in a home as well as which ones do not meet your expectations. You will be able to see what different sale price points get you in different neighborhoods. The more open houses you attend and the more properties you will see, you will build your confidence to know what you want - and definitely what you don't want - in your ideal home. Get your reps in!
Are neighbors "welcome" at Open Houses if they are just curious? Absolutely! I personally love it when neighbors come through the open houses. They may share intel about the location and neighborhood that I may not have gathered from my client. Neighbors also tend to chime in and answer potential buyer questions that the host agent might not know the answer to at that time, which could help you further decide if this home and neighborhood is right for you.
My best advice for Open House touring? Be respectful of the owner's home, focus on homes within your budget, tour the surrounding neighborhoods and most importantly, enjoy your touring! Every home has its own character and quirks. Enjoy the experience and help yourself get a better idea of what you want in your future home.
Let us know if you have any other questions or are looking for an agent to help guide you through this process. Even in the Spring Market, we are never too busy!
'Til next time,
Jillian
Have a question about real estate? Email Jillian!
Every month Jillian Keck Hogan shares local real estate insight, advice, and more. To learn more about Jillian and her team, visit jilliankeckhogan.com and follow her real estate group on Instagram @jkhogangroup_realtors. Equal Housing Opportunity.
