Attending open houses is a key part of buying a house. However, this experience is more than just a simple walk-through. By staying observant and vocal during the visit, you can get a clearer picture of the home’s condition and appeal. The following guide offers advice for learning as much as you can about your prospective new home.

How to Benefit From Attending an Open House

1. Look for Damage

You may love the layout and main features of a home, but you should still cast a critical eye on the property. Observe the condition of the roof, gutters, garage, and front steps on the exterior. While walking around the interior, look at the walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and flooring. Damage can be costly when buying a house, so ask the real estate agent about any issues that you spot.

2. Observe Other Visitors

An open house is an opportunity to get to know the seller’s target market. Note whether the open house is full or if there are a few casual visitors walking through. Observe whether other people are talking with the real estate agent and asking questions. This will give you an idea of how quickly the home could sell, so you can put down an immediate offer if necessary. It might also give you the confidence to negotiate the listing price.

3. Talk to the Neighbors

If the neighbors are outside of their homes or walking in the neighborhood, politely ask if you can talk to them about the area. You can ask about the ages of other residents in the neighborhood, how long families typically stay in their homes, and how they like living there. This information could be valuable when you are buying a house since you will want to understand the neighborhood as well as the home itself. 

4. Ask Questions 

Introducing yourself to the real estate agent can make the open house a more personal experience. Without taking up too much of the agent’s time, ask a few questions about the property. You might want to know about any recent renovations and what issues you may need to deal with after moving in. In some cases, the agent can also tell you if there have been any offers on the house. 

To get the most out of open houses and buying a house in general, you need a savvy real estate agent. Cheri Long of Priority Properties, Inc. has 24 years of experience serving the Denver metro area of Colorado. Whether you are new to the region or are looking to move, Cheri will use her local knowledge to find the right home for you. She can also work with sellers to list, show, and price their home effectively. To learn more about her extensive services and view available listings, visit her online today. Call (303) 263-2072 to set up a meeting.