Attending a handful of open houses might be one of the smartest decisions you’ll make during the entire home-buying process. Besides the fact that you’ll get to check out tons of homes at various price points, walking through open houses before you start your home search allows you to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for— so when you’re ready to buy, you’ll be able to make an offer quickly.
Get a Feel for the Neighborhood/Surrounding Area
If you’re browsing in a new, largely unfamiliar area, there’s no better way to check out a neighborhood than to attend an open house in one. Browsing for a few months can tell you a lot about your potential neighbors. You’ll get a sense of who primarily lives there (e.g., families, retirees, or singles), whether the neighborhood is a buzz with block parties and other events, or if it’s mostly quiet. Make sure you take some time to walk through the neighborhood to get a better feel for the area.
Take Your Virtual Search Offline
There’s something about seeing what you want with your own eyes. Technology has made the home buying process advanced, but sometimes the pictures just don’t do these properties justice.
Check out the Competition
The number of visitors can be a clear indicator of how quickly you might need to act once you decide you’re ready. If you visit an open house that is packed, it may be in your best interest to move quickly on a property you want since you’ve seen so many people willing to put in offers.
You Might Find the Perfect Agent
Even if you’re just in the beginning stages of the home-buying process, it’s never too early to enlist the help of a Realtor. If you don’t have one, attending an open house is a great way to find one. What better way to interview the candidates who could represent you on either side of the transaction than by seeing them in action?
