Open House Guide:  Dos and Don'ts for Home Buyers

A real estate open house is the ultimate in low-pressure marketing. It's a professional event presented as a social occasion. Some sellers serve refreshments, which might make it seem like a party, but be on your best behavior. Even though an open house feels like a Sunday afternoon social, the owners mean business. If you're serious about buying a house, they are serious about selling their home to you. Their open house is an all-access pass they hope will lead you to a "yes" decision.

Our real estate agents believe that an open house is critical to the process of buying a house. It offers a range of benefits for everyone involved.

• As a potential buyer looking for homes in Las Vegas, you inspect properties at your own pace, with or without your realtor tagging along.
• The home seller's realtor maximizes their efforts by bringing together multiple buyers at once.
• The seller gets feedback and learns what they need to do to sell their home.

No matter how social it feels, an open house is a business event. It's important to follow the Dos and Don'ts for Buyers on the Hunt.

Come on In!

The seller's realtor will be there but they may or may not be waiting for you at the door. Don't let that stop you from entering. It is an "open house" after all. But remember:

• Do arrive early during the scheduled event before the house gets too crowded.
• Don't show up fashionably late or you might not have time to see everything.
• Don't overstay the stated hours. The owner might be sitting in the park waiting for a signal that it's okay to come back home.

Dress the Part

If you want the real estate agent to see you as a serious home buyer, you must dress accordingly. The agent will be acting as the homeowner's eyes and ears. While you're looking at the home, the realtor will be looking at you. If the owner has a choice of multiple buyers, you don't want your bad fashion choices to be the factor that shuts you out of the deal. Remember:

• Do dress in business casual attire.
• Don't wear an outfit that says you're on your way to the beach.
• Do wear shoes sturdy enough for walking in and out and up and down.

Feel Free to Ask Questions

Of course, you will have questions at an open house. You should feel free to ask them, but be courteous of others. If you have a long list of questions, call the real estate agent a day or so later to discuss them. Remember:

• Do bring a notepad or digital device to keep track of questions as you tour the home.
• Don't corner the realtor with too many inquiries.
• Don't be overly critical, especially in front of other potential buyers.

Don't Make it a Spy Mission

Even if you've been dying to sneak a peek at Mrs. Homeowner's formal dresses, furs, and lingerie, resist the temptation. Don't go into her jewelry armoire or the kid's toy chest either. Don't resort to spying behavior, even if nobody is watching. It's just not nice. Remember:

• Do feel free to inspect a room or closet when the door has been left open for easy access.
• Don't dig through personal belongings.
• Don't take photos before asking if it's okay.

We Want to Help You Buy a Home

Whether you're selling or buying a house in the Las Vegas area, we can help you through the process. Contact Wardley Real Estate for the professional real estate services you need. We're here to help.