Buying a house can be an exciting and somewhat overwhelming prospect—whether it’s your first time or your fourth. An open house provides an invaluable opportunity to get to know a potential property. The guide below offers advice for making the most of the experience. 

What to Do During an Open House

1. Research Ahead of Time

It’s not worth spending your time viewing the property if you can’t, realistically, buy the house. Therefore, confirm that it is within your price range and has as many bathrooms and bedrooms as you need. Consider its Days on Market (DOM); if it has been lingering in the listings, it might indicate there is something wrong with the house or that it has been priced too high, lending you negotiating power.

2. Make a Good First Impression

Treating open houses as if they are job interviews will increase your chances of securing the home if there is high competition for it. Be well-groomed, don’t bring food with you, and don’t smoke while on the property. While you should peruse the bathroom to judge its size and look for signs of disrepair, avoid using it. Leave any young children at home since they can serve as a distraction—both for you and other people viewing the house.

3. Look & Ask

in addition to making a visual inspection—looking for everything from cracks in the walls to missing shingles on the roof—utilize your other senses. Is the plumbing or air conditioning especially loud? Are there any unexplained musty smells?

You should also feel free to ask the real estate agent that is present any questions you might have. They might be able to tell you why the owner is selling, what the utility costs are like, or give you a better sense of the neighborhood.

4. Pay Attention to How Others React

Watching how other viewers respond to the listing will give you additional feedback regarding the marketability of a property. This can be especially helpful if it’s your first time attending an open house. If potential buyers are mingling, that’s a sign the property is desirable. However, if people are leaving shortly after walking in, you may want to consider moving on as well. 

For over 15 years, Wright Real Estate Co. in Ronan, MT, has been the go-to real estate agency for listings in western Montana. They will help you sell or buy a house with confidence. Visit their website to learn more about their current listings. Call (406) 676-8610 to schedule a consultation.