In the media, we find plenty of information for Home owners staging an Open House, and on the other hand, few guidelines for the Buyers who come to view them. There are assorted reasons to for those attending an Open House which may simply be an impulse activity to satisfy their curiosity about a neighbour’s home. However, for serious buyers, especially First Time Buyers who wish to have a First hand look in seeing different home styles and layouts, Open House walk through’s can be a very worthwhile exercise.
Preparing an effective Open House tour, begin with a map. Plot out the addresses of where the Open Houses are located, and the time frames of each. This to ensure that you make the best use of your time and not be rushed. Better still, plan your Open House tour on www.coldwellbanker.ca, and we’ll make up the list of all Open Houses in your target area, including times and do the mapping for you!
If you don’t already know the neighbourhood, then that’s the first place to start. Look at your map, and see where major transportation links are located, as well as parks, schools, shopping and amenities. If everything you see on the map looks good, then start out with a driving tour of the neighbourhood itself, before you devote some time to viewing individual houses.
If you plan on visiting an Open House, and you’re already working with a real estate salesperson, be sure to notify them in advance. Your sales representative can be a very valuable source of information about the neighbourhood and may possibly even be familiar with the individual property. If you discuss this with your salesperson before your visit, you’re ensured of having the right person to look after your interests when it’s time to make an offer. Of course, if you aren’t yet working with a sales representative, Open Houses can provide a fantastic opportunity to not only look for the right house, but the right salesperson. What better way to see them in action and find out quickly if you communicate on the same wavelength.
As you tour an Open House, try to see past the furniture, and any personal clutter, and focus on whether the space and layout works for your needs. Don’t assume that what you see is what you get! Many chattels and fixtures you see at the viewing, such as window treatments, light fixtures, appliances and even that hot tub on the back deck may not be included in the list price. Verify all details with the feature sheet provided. And in doubt, make a list of what you would like included.
Walking through an Open House, be direct and ask questions. this is no time to be diplomatic. The real estate professional showing the home realizes that it may not be right for everyone. By keeping your comments open and direct; the feedback assists the Sales Representative with his client. And pass on your reviews with your Sales Representative , so they have a better understanding of the home you are looking for.
