3 overlooked things to do at an Open House

As a real estate agent, I do a lot of open houses.  It’s my job and I love to meet new people.  It’s fun chatting with people as they are progressing through one of the largest financial and lifestyle transactions of their lives.  It amazes me though that the visitors do not ask more questions especially because as a species, Realtors love to talk.  We can’t help ourselves.  Here are three items that is often overlooked at an open house:

1)      Instead of asking about the neighbors or neighborhood, ask the agent which restaurants are in the area to grab a meal.  It provides two answers for you as it will inform you how well the agent knows the area and also it enables you to explore the area yourself and see the quality of businesses in the area. 

2)      What issues does the house come with and how does it compare with other houses in the area?  Agents need to disclose any issues with the house that they are aware of.  Answers will also provide you with a sense if anything might be lurking in the future.

3)      Check out the view from the windows as this is often something that is hard to change.  If you see an ugly house next door, be prepared to live with that ugly house if you buy the open house.

Talk up the realtors, they want the company and the conversation!