For prospective buyers, visiting open houses can be a great way to start the home buying process. You can view a wide variety of homes and see in person without the pressure of a one-on-one showing. But keep in mind, there are rules of etiquette when attending open houses that any polite buyer should know and follow.
Let’s take you through finishing school with four tips on how to be a polite buyer when you’re going through your next open house.
1. Show Courtesy
While it’s fine giving feedback when asked, it’s important to be courteous, especially when you’re within earshot of agents and home sellers. Agents often ask for feedback on the house, and if you observe an issue with the house that you consider a concern or a turn-off, tell them in a polite manner. If old wallpaper, an odor, safety issue, or similar issue makes you want to run from the house (yikes!), mention it so they can discuss it with the sellers.
2. Be Open and Honest If You’re Working with a Realtor
When you arrive at an open house, tell the listing agent whether you are or are not working with a Realtor. This prevents confusion over agents’ commissions if you buy. If you don’t speak to the listing agent, make a note on the sign-in sheet to let them know if you are working with a Realtor. If you don’t wish to be contacted, you can note that also.
There’s no need to feel pressured to work with the real estate agent putting on the open house. It’s just important to be upfront and straightforward to avoid confusion and unnecessary competition.
3. Ask Questions
When talking to the listing agent, ask questions. You can ask about crime and schools in the area, and get a general idea about the neighborhood. Other questions you can ask that are helpful for home buyers, such as when updates to the house were made, how long it has been on the market, if the price has fluctuated, or if there are concerns about the house.
4. Look Before You Leap
If you live in an area where houses sell quickly, and you see the house of your dreams, you may be tempted to make an immediate offer. While it is important to act quickly in hot markets, it’s most important to be fully prepared. Before putting in an offer, make sure you’ve done your research to ensure you’re a qualified buyer. It’s rude to waste the seller’s time – and your own – if you’re not ready or qualified to buy when you want to put in an offer.
The experts at Republic State Mortgage Co recommend you explore all of your loan options to make sure you’ll be getting the best rate and the best terms available to you. That’s why it’s best to be pre-approved for a home loan before you start house hunting and visiting open houses.
Before you visit another open house, team up with an agent to help you through the process. With an experienced real estate agent by your side home buying becomes simpler and easier.
Email us at clientservices@firstteam.com
Call us at 888-870-1142
This guest post is written by Marlena Stoddard, a freelance writer who received her BA from the University of Georgia. She currently resides in Atlanta with her husband, two kids, and puppy Molly Belle.
