The importance of attending open houses

Visiting open houses and scheduled viewings is one of the most exciting parts of the home buying experience. Beyond the excitement of looking inside a home, visiting homes allows you to assess things that are harder to see online.

Anyone who has posed for a selfie knows that a photo doesn't always tell the whole truth. Professional listing photos can make small rooms look spacious, brighten dimly lit rooms, and mask other flaws in a home, so you do need more information.

In these days of virtual visits and tours, any digital improvements or changes (for example, if the floors were modified) must be disclosed. Asking what has been altered will help if you missed some clarification written in fine print.

Before you start touring houses, it can be helpful to discuss your needs and wants with your partner (if it's a move for two), do some research online, and chat with your agent and lender. That way, you and your agent can take a targeted approach, which will save you time and may give you an edge over others interested in buying a property. Follow these tips and you will be ready for this stage.

Find out the open houses you can attend

These days, health and safety protocols are a priority, so agents try to avoid
open houses or do them virtually. But if you want to go on these types of in-person tours, here are some ways to find them:

• Ask your agent. It will have details about specific properties and can tell you about events that match your search.
• Use property websites. There are many websites that inform about the tours and the planned events. On realtor.com®, for example, each post announces the next scheduled open house, along with a warning about the health and safety protocols to follow.
• Look at social networks. On Instagram, for example, you can search for the hashtag #openhouse, or similar hashtags for your city (#openhousedallas, for example). Many agents and brokers also post ads on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter; look for the ones that are from your area and start following them.
• Travel by car. Tour the neighborhoods that interest you (it's a good way to get a feel for
services in the area) and look for the open house signs.

And while you're looking, be sure to note the location, time, and date of any open houses you like. It will make it much easier to plan times and itineraries so you can see as many houses as possible.

Estee Soto

Estee Soto is a real estate agent with eXp Realty, a certified mentor and eXp Latino ambassador, and the CEO and founder of TagCrush LLC, an all-in-one digital marketing platform for real estate agents. She leads the TAGHOMES team, specializing in luxury properties, new developments, and international buyers across Florida.

More information about Estee Soto HERE