Attending an Open House: A Checklist for Buyers

Have you noticed the telltale signs that Spring has sprung? Temps are warmer, flowers are blooming, and real estate agents are hosting local open houses! As a potential buyer, open houses provide a low-pressure opportunity to see what’s available and hopefully find your forever home. 

Despite the convenience of online listings and virtual tours, nearly two-thirds of buyers attend at least one open house. Open houses are still one of the best ways to see if a house is right for you and your family.

But touring homes can be overwhelming, especially if you visit a bunch in one day or over a single weekend. Sellers make sure their house is looking its best with strategic staging meant to impress. It’s easy to be swayed by first impressions and you might forget to look beneath the surface to the bones of the house. We’ve compiled a list of open house tips for buyers as a guide to help you look at a property objectively.

There are a few things to consider before planning a day of visiting open houses. 

• Take some time to think about your personal list of must-haves and deal breakers. With these in mind, you’ll be less likely to get sidetracked. For example, a stunning lakefront property might have you tempted to overlook what’s really important to you, like the local school district or the fact that the house has tiny bedrooms and insufficient closet space. 

• Home features that you’re not crazy about can fall into one of three categories: quick fixes (paint and carpet), expensive renovations (a kitchen gut job), and things you’re simply stuck with (north-facing windows that don’t get much light). Keep your eye out for these, along with an eye on your budget to know if you can fix what you don’t like.

• Measure and note the size of your current rooms and any large items moving with you. Having to buy all new furniture is quite an investment on top of the move, so you’ll want to make sure your California King bed and sectional sofa will fit.

A sharp eye and an open mind are the most important things to take to an open house. This is your chance to get a thorough look around and to ask questions. Here are things to look for and to discuss with the real estate agent.

• Ask why the current owner is moving. While there is no guarantee you’ll get the whole story, you can sometimes read between the lines. For example, vague answers could mean the seller is just testing the market, or worse, they’re trying to get out of a money pit. A job transfer or moving into a senior community, however, doesn’t indicate there’s anything wrong with the house itself. 

• How long has the house been on the market and has the price dropped? With today’s low home inventory, most homes are selling fast. Keep an eye out for something about the house or the neighborhood that is turning buyers off.

• Find out about property taxes and HOA fees. You’ll also want to ask for some idea of the average utility costs and any routine costs such as pool maintenance. This will help you determine whether or not the house fits your monthly budget for living expenses. 

• What do the current owners plan to leave behind? Window treatments, for example, are an expensive and immediate necessity if they don’t come with the house. Some people even want to take their refrigerator when they move. On the other hand, you might not want that old pool table in the basement and it could cost a lot to have it hauled away.

• Structural issues should be on a disclosure list, but you may see evidence of them at an open house. Look for wall cracks, water stains, and signs of erosion near downspouts or flooding in the backyard. Open curtains and blinds to check windows for signs of leaking. Examine the basement for seepage and musty smells that could indicate mold. Ask about the age of the roof, HVAC, and appliances. 

• Don’t forget to look at parts of the house that are less traveled, such as the attic, furnace room, garage, and any sheds or outbuildings.

• Ask about any renovations. Were they completed by professionals or were they DIY projects? Pay special attention to anything that might be subject to code violations. 

• Be aware that air fresheners and other pleasant fragrances could be hiding the smell of pets or cigarette smoke. It’s okay to ask if the current owner smokes or has dogs or cats.

• Pay special attention to the layout of the house, especially for your family dynamics. Older buyers might not want several flights of stairs. Someone who works from home will need dedicated, quiet office space. And kids’ bedrooms situated far from the master bedroom might be perfect for a family with teens, but not ideal for a couple with toddlers or a newborn. 

• It can be hard to judge whether a house has the amount of storage you’ll need, especially when it’s filled with someone else’s stuff. Count the cabinets and drawers in your current home and measure closets and storage rooms. This gives you something concrete to compare to.

• Look beyond staging and imagine how you and your family are likely to use each room. Is there room for your stuff? 

• Don’t get hung up on things you dislike, but can easily fix. You can rip out the carpet or get rid of wood paneling. Don’t let personal preferences cloud your view of what could be a great house with a little bit of imagination. 

• Is there an HOA? Ask about the rules as well as the cost. Some condo or neighborhood associations can be very strict, so you’ll want to make sure it’s a good fit for your lifestyle.

• What’s the neighborhood or subdivision like? You may get a feel for the general vibe when you attend an open house. You might also consider taking a walk around the block, or driving by at night or on a weekday for a different perspective.

When you attend an open house, you’re allowed to get up close and personal with a place that could be your dream home. These open house tips for buyers will help you make the most of your visit. You’ll discover valuable information so you’ll know what you’re getting into, and that can help you negotiate the best price if you decide to make an offer. 

Seeing houses in person is time well spent, even when the home isn’t right for you. Each house you see will help you finetune your likes and dislikes, and learn more about what is available in your area. And be sure to talk to the real estate agent hosting the open house. They will likely know of other properties for sale that better suit your needs. 

Are you ready to start your house hunt? Check out local open houses on the Select Properties website, and contact one of our agents today.