Got a free Sunday afternoon? Open Houses are an interesting way to spend it. Whether you are shopping for a home or preparing to put your home on the market, this is an easy way to get your plan in gear. Or maybe you are looking to get renovation ideas, before you start the next home improvement project. Or you are among the many follks who like to keep up-to-date with you own neighborhood. Some people are just plain curious, and others are simply nosy about what’s inside that mysterious neighbor’s home. Everyone’s welcome, and should be made to feel that way, that’s why it’s called Open House.
Rules of the Road
Regardless of your motivation, there are some ground rules that will make your home tours more productive. Even if you are just a “looky-loo” it will be more fun and interesting if you understand how the system works, and you won’t be leaving a trail of confusion behind you.
1. Most Oahu Real Estate Open Houses are Sunday afternoon from 2 – 5 pm. There are exceptions of course. Broker’s Open Houses are advertised only to the industry, and held at varying times during the week - mornings, afternoons, or sunset hours - but buyers are welcome here too. If you see an Open House sign, feel free to go on in.
2. Wear slip-on shoes, as you will be expected to remove them to go inside most homes. If you have an orthopedic problem which makes that difficult, you can get those elastic shoe covers - like surgeons wear – at most hardware stores.
3. Keep Track of the Kids. Let them know that they are not to touch anything in the home. Kids need to stay with their parents, and ask them to keep off the furniture. Young children should be carried or hold the adult’s hands. Some homes have dangers to them such as loose railings, tied up pets, open windows, or drop offs.
4. Greet the Realtor hosting the Open House. They should act thrilled to see you no matter who you are. Don’t try to sneak in the side or back door unless you have something to hide! They may also have important information about the property, and need to direct you to the secret garden and away from the back yard dropoff! And leave the food and drink outside.
5. Plan to sign in even if you are “Just Looking”. You are entering someone’s home. Owners and agents agree that is a privilege granted to those who are willing to identify themselves. Still resistant? Imagine you have 20+ families filing through your home while you are out, admiring your family photos, criticizing your décor, and maybe asking to use the bathroom. Wouldn’t you want to know who they are? Sign the register with your name, address, and phone number.
6. Exception: if you are represented by a Buyer’s Agent or expect to be so, just enter your name and the name and company of your Realtor. Hint: if you don’t know who your Realtor is, they you probably don’t have one!
Why is it important to enter your Realtor’s name, even if you are not seriously shopping for a home? It saves you from being asked for your own personal information. You probably don’t want to get calls from each agent whose property you visited, when they follow up on prospects.
7. Be nice. If you don’t like the property, don't feel the need to criticize it. Just leave gracefully, and move on the next one. If you look at enough properties, you will see some beauties and some duds too, but each one was a home to its occupants.
8. Remember that the Open House agent represents the Seller’s interests. Their job is to provide access and share information about the property. They have no obligation to share information about the Seller, such as motivation for selling, hardship issues, offers received, etc. That said, the more information you can get without giving away your own personal details, the more leverage you will have.
Are you a serious shopper? Ready to pounce on the right home when it comes up? Here are more strategies to help you succeed:
- Focus of selecting the right neighborhood(s) first, then consider the homes there that fit your priorities and price range. You can always improve a property if it is in the right area.
- Look at all the Open House sources so you don’t miss anything. The Internet is king, so not all Open Houses are advertised in the daily newspaper (which charges hefty fees for each ad). Check out http://www.hicentral.com/ and click on Download Open House Report. Also the Pacific Business News, which comes out every Friday with a long list of Open Houses. Once you have your own Buyer’s Agent, ask him or her to help you identify the Open House properties available to view.
- Tell your agent that you are looking at Open Houses. And if you really like a home you see, curb your enthusiasm and call your own Realtor ASAP.
- Beware of any agent who tries to lure you away from your own agent. That is highly unethical, so be sure to identify yourself as having your own agent. Experienced and qualified agents don't need to entrap buyers who have already selected a Buyer's Realtor.
- Keep track of the homes you visit. Make notes as you go from home to home, to help you remember each one. Sometimes a creative or even silly name helps buyers remember what they have seen, like “the Pink Carpet House” or the “Squeaky Stairs House” to distinguish one from the other.
- Keep an Open Mind about each property, even if you don’t care for it. Every home will help you become more knowledgeable about the market and make the right home stand out.
- Ask your Realtor to make appointments for homes that aren't available to view on your schedule. Many homes are never available to see at Open Houses, so don’t think that a home that is not advertised in the newspaper has sold. One stop shopping means you can call your agent - not the listing agent - for all homes - that's their job.
- No Buyer's Agent? If you are serious, you need one now! There is no cost to you to be represented by your own agent – and no advantages to using the listing agent for each home you are considering.
Have fun and Happy Shopping! I hope you find the home of your dreams, or at least get some fun and fabulous ideas. If I can help you further or you have questions, please email me directly at: stephanieg@remax.net, rather than posting comments on this site which do not permit me to reply. Your general comments and ratings are always appreciated.
© 2011 Stephanie Gieseler, Honolulu, Hawaii. All rights reserved.
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