Strategies for Visiting an Open House

Ok guys I get it, sometimes you are seeing 3-5 homes in one day and it can be hard to keep track of all the homes.

So, here's what I like to suggest to clients so you can stay organized:

First of all, have your REALTOR print you out a copy of the listing info and property disclosure and any other documents that come with the listing so you can review them. Make sure you review the listing information the night before or morning of. You don't need to have it memorized but you want to have a rough idea of what you are walking into before you get there.

Second, create a sheet with your must haves so you can check off whether the house has them and how many. This is a sheet you make either on the computer or with a pen that is a standard copy you can easily copy over and over again so you have a new one for each property and they all compare the same items. Also, make sure to leave a blank line at the bottom so you can write in a not about the listing price and financing being accepted.

Third, bring a blank sheet of paper and write down your thoughts. Was there anything about this house you hated? Anything you loved? What stood out to you? How can you id this house from that last 20 you saw in the last 2 weeks? Did it have any features not listed on the listing like a security system or a giant crack in the front walkway you tripped over on your way in? Since some homes have security cameras set up, you don't always want to give away all your thoughts while in the home, so this paper can act as your way of communicating your thoughts and questions to those who came to the house with you without the owners listening in.

Finally, ask questions. Sometimes the owners stick around, sometimes the listing agent subbed out their work to a newer agent, sometimes the neighbors show up to be nosey and have info, sometimes the agent has been given permission to share information. What's the worst that can happen- you get the "I'm sorry I don't know" or "I can't answer that"?

Just ask. Always. 

When you leave each house paperclip all the documents for that property together. Later that night or when you have the time to sit and review, you will have all your notes in one place and you can easily remember what you liked and didn't bout each house and this makes it easier to compare homes and make a decision for which one you submit an offer for and what to make the offer for.