How to maximize open house weekend

One of the most exciting steps in the home buying process is walking through the home you might live in one day. Whether it is a new or newlyrenovated home, touring a home in person will help you with your purchasing decision.

Sellers, Builders, and real estate agents allow potential buyers to explore homes to generate interest through open houses. Potential buyers (or curious neighbors) can walk around the property and ask detailed questions about the home during an open house. If you are ready to attend an open house or tour a Builder’s model home and want to make the most out of your visit, consider the following tips.

Meet the listing agent or new home sales professional

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Introduce yourself to the salesperson or listing agent on site and let them know your interest in the home. They will provide their contact information, literature about the home and offer to show you the unique features. Fill in the sign-in sheet if available so they have your information as well.

n Ask specific questions about the home

You can learn the details of the home that are not listed online or in marketing materials by asking the sales associate the right questions. Ask if the home price has changed, how long the home has been on the market and what offers have been made to purchase the home. If the home has been on the market for a significant amount of time it could be a sign there are issues with the home. In certain situations, in new home sales recently, prices have gone up due to the sharp price increases in lumber, appliances and other materials.

Look for potential home damage

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Before purchasing a pre-owned home, it is a best practice to get a home inspection. Before you get to that point, at an open house you can spot problems by looking closely. Warped flooring or a musty smell can be a sign of previous water damage or flooding. Look for damage or repairs of big-ticket items like appliances, windows, and doors. The home could have foundation problems if you notice cracks in the ceiling or drywall. Beware of these red flags to avoid significant home repairs in the future.

Beware of unfinished construction

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Sometimes a seller runs out of money to finish a home improvement project. If you see exposed wires or a stack of material in a corner of a room, ask the agent for the seller about it. This could also be a sign that a contractor had issues finishing a project due to structural issues. Either way, it’s important to understand the underlying issue so you can be aware of what you may be dealing with. Some lenders may be unwilling to loan money if the house has unfinished construction.

Explore the neighborhood

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After viewing the home, walk and drive around the neighborhood. Any new development? How is the curb appeal of the nearby neighbors? If you notice several for sale signs in the front yards of homes on or near your block it may be an underlying neighborhood issue. If you’re interested in the home, drive-by at different times on different days to gauge noise levels and traffic patterns.

For more information about upcoming open houses or information about the home buying process and to find a Builder, Remodeler or Vendor who can help you build or remodel the home of your dreams, please visit www. sabuilders.com

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