Everything You Need to Know About Open Houses

Posted by EdmontonRealEstate .ca on Thursday, August 22nd, 2019 at 3:48pm.

What to Know About Open HousesWhether you’re buying a home or selling a home in Edmonton, open houses are a great tool to either find the home of your dreams or market your home to prospective buyers. Learn more about Edmonton open houses today to find out about marketing strategies, buying strategies, and etiquette for both buyers and sellers.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Going to Open Houses to Buy a New Home

Are you in the market to buy a home in the Edmonton area? Attending open houses are a great way to view a home, and see if it is right for you. Spring happens to be one of the busiest times in the home buying market.

Many buyers actively begin their search for the perfect home. Here are some things to help you save time when engaging in some open houses in the Edmonton area.

Clothing

You want to be comfortable while viewing homes. As obvious as this may seem, you really want to think about what you are wearing before sprinting out the door to start your open house adventure. Do not wear shoes that have heels. You will want to be able to walk through homes with ease and without experiencing foot pain.

In addition, you will be taking a look around the outside of the home, so you want to be prepared for soft ground spots that heels could sink in. Wear flats, or ideally gym shoes. This will allow you to pay attention to the home, rather than sinking in the mud or having achy feet.

Phone

When you come upon a dark place in a home, use your flashlight that your smart phone is equipped with. You can also use your phone to take pictures, so that you can look back at the home's features. Photographs will be handy when viewing multiple homes in one day or wanting to compare features.

Measuring Tape

Don’t depend on measurements that are given to you. If you want to know for yourself, take a tape measure. This will help you when wanting to figure out the configurations of furniture and other belongings.

You will also want to take a list of questions and a pen and paper so you can make notes about each home. 

Using an Open House to Sell Your Home

Part of the moving process requires the selling of your home. Whether you're moving across the city or just down the road, you still have to make sure you get top dollar for your current home. Of course, the help of a professional realtor is necessary.

How to Organize an Open House

The right help and an open house will help you get the most from the sale of our home. Home evaluations, a knowledgeable team and plenty of pictures will help you sell your home. However, the one key to making sure you get the most for your house is having an open house.

The Value of Open Houses

Inviting potential buyers into your home can help them imagine themselves living there. They get the opportunity tour the home and see what makes it so special. Visualizing how they would organize the furniture and set up their lives in your home, can lead to an offer.

The competition is another important part of an open house. Since more than just one buyer will be present, it's a great way to show the potential buyers that they are not the only ones interested. This can help to create a sense of urgency and you may receive more and better offers from the open house.

Through the open house, you will be able to network with potential buyers and introduce them to your home. By introducing your home to the market with an open house, you can maximize the selling value. This helps you to advertise the home and gives you the maximum exposure.

Ask Your Real Estate Agent to Set Up an Open House

A private event, such as an open house, is a great way to make sure you get the most for your home when you need to sell it. Your real estate agent can help set up and run the open house. They will even help you stage your home before potential buyers show up.

Open House Etiquette to Be Aware Of

When other buyers don't follow the rules of the open house, it can cause you to go crazy. Maybe they brought kids and they are running all through the house keeping you from really getting a chance to see it. Don't be that person. Instead, follow these simple rules when you attend open houses.

Sign in

You need to sign in even if you just think it's a way to get your info for marketing. This is a very important thing and provides a measure of security to the homeowner and the realtor.

Don't Bring the Kids

The kids don't need to be at the home for the open house. If you want them to see the home before you buy it, schedule a private appointment. Kids get bored too quickly and they won't enjoy the open house. This can make them a distraction for you and other buyers.

Respect the Privacy of the Homeowner

Unless they are built-in, don't open drawers. Don't snoop in areas that are not part of the home sale and don't rifle through their belongings. Have respect for their privacy as you look.

Open All the Doors

It's not okay to miss a room, regardless of how small. You need to open every door and see every room. This will help you to see what type of space you are working with. It's even okay to open cupboards, as long as they are built in.

Stay Together

If you come with a real estate agent or someone else, stay with them. This will keep you from yelling back and forth with your spouse about different things. Take your time and see the house together instead of splitting up.

Contact a Real Estate Agent To Start Your Home Buying or Selling Process

These are just a few simple rules to follow at the next open house you attend. Make sure you follow them and any other rules given to you by the realtor showing the home. If you're interested in buying or selling a home, reach out to one of our expert real estate agents to help you kickstart your real estate journey today.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

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