Open House Etiquette
If you are in the market for a new house, don't be scared to attend open houses in your area. As long as you go armed with the knowledge of what might be asked of you at an open house you should be ready to answer without worry or hesitation. Keep in mind that Realtors who hold open houses are not like used car salesmen, they are there to help you find the home of your dreams. Be polite and remember your open house etiquette when touring an open house.
- You may be asked at an open house how long you have been looking for a home. This question is only asked to find out just how serious you are about purchasing a home and in what time frame you are planning to do so. For example if you have already been looking for a few months then you are most likely more than ready to hone in on exactly what type of house you are looking for. Be very specific with your answer to this question.
- Another question you may be asked at an open house is if you already have an agent you are working with. This question is asked because the Realtor wants to know if they can represent you in your search for a new home. You may be asked who your agent is if you already have one. Don't hesitate to give out names because all the Realtor wants to do is call your agent for feedback instead of bothering you with such things. By answering this question you are keeping yourself from having to give out any of your own personal information. This way you have a buffer between you and the Realtor who is holding the open house.
- You may be asked if you are looking to buy in the specific neighborhood in which the open house is being held. The Realtor is not trying to get all into your business by asking this question, he or she is just trying to find out if you really are serious about making a home purchase and what area you are interested in. Just be honest with your answer, there is no right or wrong answer here.
The main thing I would suggest to you when attending an open house is that you go in with an open mind. Be willing to open up and answer any questions you might be asked with a clear honest answer. You never know you may just be walking right in to your new dream home!
Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Experts Sandra Nickel Hat Team.
