What To Look For During An Open House? Don’t Get Left In The Dark

An open house is your chance to get up close and personal with a property. It’s more than just admiring the decor or sampling cookies—the goal is to gather valuable information before making an offer. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned house hunter, here’s what you should focus on during an open house:

1. The Hard-to-Change Qualities

While staging can be distracting, look beyond the surface. Pay attention to elements that are hard to change or not easily visible in listing photos:

• Layout and Flow: Walk through the areas you’d use most—garage to kitchen to master bedroom. Imagine your daily routines and assess if the layout suits your lifestyle.

• View and Natural Light: Check the view from windows and the amount of natural light. These factors significantly impact your living experience.

• Windows: Test if windows open and close properly. Single or double pane? Energy efficiency matters.

• Signs of a Sloppy Flip: Look for quick, cheap renovations. Missing quarter round molding, bubbling vinyl floors, and messy caulking may indicate rushed work.

• Electrical Issues: Try all light switches. Burn marks, broken outlets, or flickering lights could signal deeper problems.

• Siding: Inspect exterior corners for rot. Siding too close to the ground may lead to issues.

2. Ask Questions

An open house is your best opportunity to ask questions. Inquire about:

• HOA Restrictions: Learn about any homeowner association rules.

• Property Tax Appeal: Has the seller appealed property taxes?

• Recent Renovations or Repairs: Get details on recent changes.

Remember, while open houses provide insights, schedule a private tour with your agent for a deeper dive. Happy House Hunting