Tips for Visiting An Open House-Part 1

Thinking about buying?  Whether it's now or a year from now, you are probably  out looking at houses on Sundays,  to 'see what's out there'.  This is an excellent time to do just that--you get a feel for the area and current prices.  Here's some tips on open house tours  from an agent perspective:

1.  If you are just looking and not ready to buy--don't feel like you are wasting your time or the agent's.  You are learning something about the market, about housing, with every house you visit. For the agent, it's more exposure for the house:  it may not be the one for you, but you may know someone who's looking in the area.  The key to a successful  open house is exposure to a wide variety of people. Most agents like to talk to open house visitors-whether they plan to buy or not.

2.  Take an information sheet from the agent.  Ask how long the house has been for sale, and why the sellers are moving.  This gives you an indication of how much the seller may bargain (longer time on market can equal more bargaining power) and how motivated the seller is (have they already purchased another house? are they relocating to another city?).

3.  Check the exterior of the house--does it need a fresh coat of paint? Do you see a lot of wood rot? Is the yard well trimmed and neat?  Also look at the houses nearby--are those homes well kept? Attractive from the street? Does it look like neighbors take pride in their homes?

4.  Note what you like and dislike about the house--and tell the agent!  We want the feedback!  Sellers want to hear that information as well.  Be diplomatic but do give your opinion--it counts!

More tips coming next week...  My open house this Sunday Feb 10 is an updated Brookside beauty at 6720 Locust in Armour Hills Gardens--stop by!