Stating the Facts About Real Estate

Open houses present an opportunity for the public to tour a home that's recently been listed for sale. If you're in the market to buy a home, you might want to stop by a few open houses for yourself as part of your search. If you've never been to an open house, however, there are some common mistakes you'll want to avoid during your visit. 

Ignoring the Seller's Requests

There are a lot of unspoken etiquette rules when it comes to attending an open house. Upon entering the home, look for signs posted that ask you to remove your shoes or provide your name on a sign-in sheet. Following these requests is common courtesy, and offering your information on a sign-in sheet simply helps the seller's agent keep a record of how many people attended the open house.

Not Exploring the Neighborhood

While you're in the area, you might as well take a look around the neighborhood. This can help you get a much better feel for whether the neighborhood is a good fit for you. Consider taking a walk around the block or going for a drive around the area to see what it has to offer in terms of parks, schools, and attractions.

Taking Pictures Without Permission

More than likely, you can find a listing with detailed photos of the property online. The seller's agent may even have paper copies to hand out at the open house itself. If you wish to take your own photos for any reason, be sure to request permission from the seller's agent directly before doing so.

Going in Without an Agent

Speaking of agents, it's always a good idea to bring your own real estate agent with you go to an open house. While you're not required to be represented by an agent in order to attend an open house, a professional can help you get a better idea of whether the home is fairly priced and can call attention to things you may have otherwise missed.

Not Offering Honest Feedback

Before you leave the open house, be sure to speak with the seller's agent and provide honest feedback about the property. Don't be afraid to hurt anybody's feelings here. The agent wants your honest feedback so that he or she can pass it along to the sellers, so create a mental list of things you like (and don't like) about the home as you tour it and share that information with the seller's agent on the way out.

To get help looking for homes for sale in your area, contact a real estate agent.