Nothing is more exciting than shopping for a new house! You spend countless hours looking at online real estate listings and then try to narrow down to a few you may like. However, we do notice mistakes that people often make at an open house.
Showing up without a realtor
You don’t need to have a realtor to visit an open house, many experts do agree that it is better to have somebody in your corner. If you shop without a realtor, you often can miss out on expert insights. A realtor will find out many things about the home that you may not be aware of. You will get professional information on the property’s worth, potential problems, or negotiation strategies.
Sharing TMI (too much information)!
If you think giving the seller’s agent personal information about yourself is best, you might be doing a disservice. This information could go against you during the negotiation process. Don’t forget the seller’s agent is working for the client, not for you!
Be prepared!
You can easily lose out on your dream home if you are not prepared. Buyers often don’t have financials in place – pre-approvals or budget. Buyers also may not have a list of what they want in a home. It is always a good idea to know if you want a certain style of home, location and a purchase price that is in line with your budget.
Keep a poker face!
Showing too much excitement isn’t always in your favour! Try to rein in excitement when viewing the home in front of the seller’s agent at an open house. If you appear too eager it could go against you during the negotiation process. Keep your cards close to your chest and don’t reveal your intentions too early. Keep that information between yourself and your real estate team.
Don’t criticize
Not every home is perfect or the right house for you. Don’t criticize the house, especially in front of the seller’s agent. This could go against you especially if you want to put in an offer later.
Don’t overlook the future
Sometimes the house might not be “turnkey” or ready to move in. Don’t overlook future potential, the good bones of the home and what future enhancements that could be made.
Always be respectful
Being kind and respectful will go a long way when at an open house. It is a time to take a good look at a property that you are interested in buying. It is not a time to test out appliances or sit on the furniture. Always take your shoes or boots off at the entrance of the home.
Our Team
Our Anne Winch Ottawa Real Estate Team has many years of helping clients with the purchase and sale of their homes. We can find out real estate price histories in the area if the home is priced well and what may motivate the seller. All these factors are important when we are negotiating for you. Communicating the best offer or conditions is very important also. We will be with you every step of the way.
Since we will be in close conversations with the seller’s agent, we also know what motivates the seller and what we need to do to close the sale. Rest assured that we will be working with you to help you purchase the home you want. Contact us and let us take the stress out of negotiating your next home purchase.