Attending An Open House - Dos & Donts
Are you thinking about buying a home in Colorado Springs? If the answer is yes, chances are you've given at least some thought to attending an open house. Open houses can be great tools for home buyers in Colorado Springs, but there is common etiquette that buyers should observe when attending these events. Here's a quick overview of the things you should and should not do at an open house, courtesy of our Colorado Springs real estate agents.
While Attending An Open House, DON'T...
Bring Your Kids. Young children and toddlers can become easily distracted by the sights, sounds, and smells of the new home. Before you even realize what's happening, your children may be playing hide and seek in the closets or repeatedly flushing the toilets. Leave your little ones at home so you can focus on the property.
Open Closed Doors. The seller is having an open house to show off their home to prospective buyers, not their personal belongings. Attending an open house does not give you free reign to sift through the seller's closets or medicine cabinets.
Pretend To Be Interested In Buying If You're Not. It is a fairly common practice for individuals to attend open houses even when they have no intention of buying the home themselves. These people could be in the process of renovating their own homes and looking for ideas, or they could be neighbors who are curious to see how the seller has spruced up the place. It is perfectly acceptable for these non-buyers to attend open houses (especially if you'll do your part by telling other potential buyers about the home for sale in Colorado Springs), but be courteous and make sure that the listing agent knows that you are not interested in buying. This way, the agent can focus his/her attention on legitimate buyers.
While Attending An Open House, DO...
Take Notes. If you tour multiple homes (as most buyers do) you'll want to be sure to take detailed notes of each property you visit. The homes will tend to run together after a while, and you'll find yourself wondering if the home with the great view was the same home that had those beautiful hardwood floors.
Ask The Listing Agent To Give You A Tour. Despite every agent's best intentions, personal items are sometimes stolen during open houses. It can be challenging for the listing agent to keep track of everyone in the house. If you keep your family/friends together in a group and stick close to the agent throughout the duration of your visit, however, you are much less likely to be accused if something turns up missing. Not only that, but the agent will be instantly accessible if you have questions about the property.
Ask Questions. The open house is your opportunity to get all the pertinent information about the house in question. If you're considering buying, it's fair for you to ask some basic questions about the property and its market presence. Find out what year the home was built, if the sellers ever did any major repairs/upgrades to the home, how many offers have been made on the house, etc.
Questions? Give Me A Call!
If you have questions about attending or hosting an open house, don't hesitate to give me a call! I have over fifteen years of experience with buying and selling homes in Colorado Springs; my team and I would love to work with you on your next real estate transaction!
Mike MacGuire
Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent
The MacGuire Team
6760 Corporate Dr
Ste 300
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
719-536-4324 or 719-660-6793
Mike@BuyWithMike.com
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