Making the most of an open house visit questions to ask during an open house

For buyers, visiting open houses should be more than just a casual walk-through of the home, with commentary on the paint colors or color of the carpet. Open houses are a good opportunity to not only get a feel for the home but also to speak directly to the listing agent and get detailed information on the home. In fact, this may be your only opportunity to openly ask the listing agent questions during the entire home-sale process.

Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

Here are six questions to ask at the next open house you visit.

1. Why do the sellers want to move?

If the sellers are moving because the area is unsafe, the schools are terrible or the neighbor practices the drums at midnight, their agent is unlikely to tell you. But ask this question anyway and look for hesitation from the agent, even a partial story or no story at all, can help.

2. What’s the seller’s timeline?

While most of the time price is the main goals in negotiations, quite often a choice between two very similar offers comes down to timing. If a seller need to move quickly, perhaps because of a job relocation or they want a longer close (perhaps to let kids finish out their school year) you can increase your chances of winning a bid. That’s because the more you know about a seller’s motivation the easier it is to craft a better offer.

3. When was the roof/ac/etc. last updated?

Many real estate agents won’t be able to answer this off the top of their heads, but the information should be documented somewhere (Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement). Ask for copy of Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement, if available. Pay attention on major item such as roof, AC, water heater and others.

4. Are there any issues with the home?

While seller are obligated by law to disclose all known materials (important) facts about the home to buyer, the real estate agents may be limited by how much a seller will disclose. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask this question.

5. Did the seller make any renovation or improvement

You may want to know whether is there any renovation or improvement being done to the property. Is the kitchen counter top and cabinet upgraded? How old is the flooring, especially carpet.

7. How much do utilities cost?

In Arizona, especially summer with 3 digit temperature, you want to know what you’re getting into before you make an offer by asking to see recent utility bills. If you’re moving from an apartment into a house, you might be surprised at the impact utility bills have on your budget.

8. Where is nearby restaurant, grocery stores?

Getting directions to a local restaurant or coffee shop will tell you a lot about your neighborhood. If there’s a retail strip or shopping close by that locals frequent visit and feel proud of, chances are, you’ll love it too.

Keep in mind that, while open houses are great place and opportunity to ask questions and listen, be careful not to give away more than you want known about your own situation. Also remember that the agent is working for the seller and for seller’s best interest, so you don’t want to share any information that could compromise your bargaining position. Being discreet about your finances and how much you love the home will benefit you when it’s time to make an offer.

Swee Ng, Realtor and Phoenix East Valley resident specializing in win-win real estate transaction through great communication and fighting for his clients’ best interest. After all, this is more than real estates, this is about your life and your dreams.

If you are looking to buy or sell your home in Phoenix AZ and surrounding area, we hope you will consider us. Contact us today for complimentary consultation.

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