The Right Way to Visit an Open House
Whether Open Houses are your favorite or most dreaded weekend activity, you can always be better prepared. First, if you're seriously considering the home as an option,
take notes. Secondly, ask if you can use your phone to take pictures. We cannot stress enough how many people regret leaving a notepad at home and later forget about certain details. This is your opportunity to learn everything you can about your potential home, so leave the shyness at home. We've compiled a list to help with your walk through. Feel free to change and customize the list accordingly!
Driving
- On your way over, drive a bit around the neighborhood. Get a feel for it. Does there appear to be a lot of kids? Is is near any schools? What do the other homes look like? It's important to remember that buying in a safe, secure neighborhood should be high on your priorities.
- Look hard at the exterior layout of the house. How big is the lawn? Is there a fence?
Kitchen
- Are appliances included? If so, what condition are they in?
- Cabinets - check to see if these are made with quality wood, have been refinished, etc.
- Floors - are they wood, linoleum, laminate? Is the floor even? You can check this by keeping a pen with you, removing the cap and seeing if it rolls.
- Is there a gas hook up? Or are you stuck with electric?
- Check the ceilings for damage and the walls for paint issues.
Bedrooms
- Check the floors and ceilings, as well as the walls.
- Use your tape measure to get exact dimensions of the room, especially if it is not a square shape.
- Check the closets and their doors.
Conclusion
Remember, get as much detail from the
realtor as possible, without giving anything away. If this is the home you want to put an offer in on it. When
buying a home, it's important to have as much leverage to negotiate as low of a price as possible.
