How to Make the Most of Your Open House Visit

by Jackie Davis 10/06/2019

Buyers new to the housing market often don’t know where to start their search. In fact, sometimes they don’t even know for certain in which community they want to make their home. Even knowing the type of house-style they want is a mystery. If they’re the first in their family to own property, narrowing down choices seems monumental.

A great way to start is viewing homes in magazines and online, wandering through Pinterest boards, and visiting open houses. 

Two types of open house events

Open house events are not equal. One kind of open house is a builder's model. Model homes operate more like retail showrooms in that the builder typically sets up an office in the garage of one of the models and then stages one or more homes for buyers to view. The models display options from flooring to appliances and cabinetry, allowing potential buyers to choose what fits their aesthetic or their budget. Builder-grade is the base model, and all other features are optional add-ons.

The salesperson overseeing the builder’s model open house typically works directly for the builder or developer and sells directly to the consumer, just as a retail store does. While the selling agent may appear to champion the buyer, ultimately their employer is the developer, so take that into consideration. This type of open house conforms to typical retail business hours for the housing industry.

The second type of open house is hosted by a selling agent that represents a homeowner. These are one-time planned events with defined hours where the homeowner typically vacates the premises while the seller's agent shows the home to prospective buyers.

When visiting a builder open house, treat the furnishing the way you would those in a furniture store—look and touch, but be respectful. When attending a private home open house, follow this list of do’s and don’ts for bests results.

  • DO sign in. If you already have a buyer's agent, make sure to inform the hosting agent. Remember, real estate agents make their living buying or selling homes so be respectful of and value their time with your honesty.
  • DO give yourself plenty of time. Plan not to rush through the home and even set aside a few minutes to walk around the neighborhood afterward.
  • DO make a list of questions for your agent to ask the seller’s agent.
  • DO have a list of must-haves or likes but remember to be flexible too.
  • DO NOT bring children to an open house. You have no way to know ahead if the home is childproofed or the degree to which the sellers have staged or emptied the home.
  • DO NOT bring pets to an open house.
  • DO NOT look in cupboards, drawers, or closets that the agent indicates as off-limits. If you're genuinely interested in the home, your agent can schedule a private viewing at a later date.
  • DO NOT let making odors such as freshly-baked cookies or candles fool you. Air fresheners may merely mask a hastily removed litterbox, but they might indicate a deeper problem with pet urine in the carpet or mold in the walls.
  • DO NOT arrange with the host for a follow-up visit. That is the job of your agent.
  • DO collect the selling agent’s business card to pass on to your agent.

If you're interested in presenting an offer on a home after an open house or have questions that need answering before you can prepare an offer, DO contact your agent immediately.

About the Author
Author

Jackie Davis

Welcome to Jackie Davis and Company. If you have navigated this far, we thank you and would like to share how we differ from other teams and agents. We work tirelessly and are committed to providing 100% customer satisfaction. We recognize, listen, value, and appreciate your goals as you move towards listing or selling your home. As Listing Agents we continuously integrate new and advanced technology to promote your biggest asset. Our strong negotiation skills are invaluable for getting you the best price for your home. As the Buyer's Agent we pride ourselves on being fully educated in our local markets. While focusing on integrity and honesty we will provide you with the highest level of professionalism and analysis. We are proud that this hard work has earned us recognition as top 1% both company and state wide in the industry. Achievements * 1st Quarter 2017 Leading Sales in Fairfield * 2017 February Leading Sales Team * 2017 March Leading Sales Team * Chairman's Elite representing the Top 1% Agent at William Raveis Nationwide & Fairfield County * Over $45 million Listed & Sold in 2016 * Over $30 million Listed & Sold in 2015 * 99% List to Sales Ratio (higher than market average) * 75 Average Days on Market (less than market average) * Jackie Davis Promoted to Sales Vice President 2016 * Raveis Award of Excellence every year * Exceptional Customer Service Award every year * Top Units Sold Team October 2016 * Top Customer Service October 2016 * Top Mortgage Support September 2016 * Top Selling Team January 2016 * Top Mortgage Support August 2015 * Top Selling Team Feb 2014 * Top Producing Team Jan 2014 * Top Selling Team Dec 2013 * Top Selling Team Nov 2013 * Top Producing Team Nov 2013 Professional Specialty Innovative Marketing and Technology equals proven sales. Our team of licensed professionals is ready to serve. We handle: Sellers & Buyers Exceptional Properties Investors Waterfront & Beach Area Homes Country & Equestrian Properties New Construction & Land Relocation Professional Association National Association of Realtors Connecticut Association of Realtors Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors Consolidated Multiple Listing Service Community Involvement PTA committee member for past 14 years from elementary through high school PTA Board Member for 4 years Shoff Darby Advisory Scholarship Board member past 5 years Committee member for Cancer Care of Norwalk past 10 years Volunteer Habitat for Humanity Operation Hope coordinator for elementary and middle schools, last 3 years Volunteer for a variety of town sports teams, that my daughters participate in The County Assemblies Board Member The b-Cause Foundation Board Member- a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate children to recognize neighbors in need in our local community. Wakeman Boys & Girls Club- Fundraising Committee Member Committee Member for Cancer Couch Fundraiser the Cancer Beat 2016 Near and Far Aid Volunteer Education BA from Merrimack College Personal Fairfield resident for 39 years Currently reside in Fairfield Beach Area Married 27 years Four daughters currently in & have graduated Fairfield Public School system Areas Covered Fairfield Southport Westport Weston Norwalk Trumbull Easton Stratford Shelton Milford Stamford Bridgeport