Making the Most of Your Open House Visit

by Sydney Starkey

These 7 things will help you take full advantage of your next open house visit!

If you're going to an open house, it's best to come prepared with the tools and information you need to make the most of your visit. Here are some things to consider:

  1. Bring a notepad. You'll want to take notes on what you like and what you would change in the home.
  2. Bring a folder or bag. You'll likely pick up many brochures, flyers, etc. that you will want to keep organized in one place.
  3. Talk to your loan officer. Before you visit an open house, you'll want to understand loan qualifications, terms & conditions, financing options, etc.
  4. Get your pre-approval letter. If you know you're ready to begin the home buying process, getting your pre-approval letter ahead of time will help speed things up once you get started.
  5. Understand the limits of your land. With most properties, there are some limitations of what you can build. To ensure a good fit, know what size home will fit on your land and consider what the best positioning is for your new home.
  6. Know what you're looking for. When building a home, it's helpful to know from the start what you want. Having a list of your "must-haves" will help your home specialist understand what they need to do to help you build your dream home.
  7. Take your time. At an open house, you'll want to slow down and look at the details. As you walk around, imagine yourself living in the home. Would it fit your lifestyle and family needs? You'll also want to give yourself time to talk to a sales specialist about the building process and set up time to meet with them again in the following weeks.