It’s the weekend, “Open House” signs are on every street corner – time to gear up and find your next dream home!
You walk into a freshly air-conditioned home, the smell of vanilla candles,
light music playing. It is easy to get distracted by the glamorous staging and cute decor of the
home. But don’t be so easily fooled. You want to look beyond the surface of the home’s
appearance to determine if it will be a good match for your needs.
If you plan on looking at more than one open house, take lots of notes to make sure you
remember what makes one home stand out more than the next. Write down both what excited
you and what didn’t while visiting each home.
What details that you should consider at an open house?
– Floorplan – Is there a good flow to the home? Is there ample space for your lifestyle –
play area for kids, a spare room for the office, enough storage space?
– Walk the exterior – How do you like the yard? Is there enough room to have your
friends and family over for a BBQ? How’s about a grassy area for your dog? Maybe you want
space for a future extension?
– The Neighbors – Nothing’s worse in life than bad neighbors! You’re not just
purchasing a home; you’re buying into a neighborhood. They also can provide some
enlightening information about what it’s like to live there. What is the noise level outside like?
Take note of anything that doesn’t sit right with you.
– Location, Location, Location – Location is one of the most important factors in
real estate. Is this home located at the end of a Cul-de-sac? Does it offer a great view or is
designated in an area with reputable schools? These factors can play a major role for future
appreciation in your next home.
– Talk with the hosting Realtor® – Ask them any lingering questions that you may
have. Are there any homeowner association fees? What are the association rules? When was
the last time the roof was replaced?
Don’t feel intimidated. Even if you’re not quite ready to buy, open houses are a great way to
start exploring your options in the housing market. You can get a better feel for the
neighborhood, style of homes, and your personal design preferences. The more homes you can
see, the more confident you will be when it comes to making your final decision.
