Make the Most of Open House Visits

By William Peach, managing broker of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage's Carroll County Regional Office

Visiting open houses is a great way for potential buyers to hone in on exactly what they’re looking for. Open houses let you explore neighborhoods you might like to live, check out different styles and layouts to see what works best for your lifestyle, and learn how much home you can get for your budget range.

Here are a few simple guidelines to help home shoppers make the most of their visit to open houses:

1.      Develop a Game Plan -- Research properties in advance so you can visit your desired open houses in one area, then move on to another. Don’t forget to account for travel time.

2.      Stay Focused -- Upon arrival, introduce yourself to the agent holding the open house and listen to the comments of other buyers, but focus most of your attention on the property itself.

3.      Use Your Imagination -- Look past existing décor and paint colors that may not be your style. Instead, picture your own furniture and color schemes. Paint is one of the least expensive things to change, so don’t let unattractive walls turn you off.

4.      Watch the Neighborhood -- Buyers should also tour the neighborhood of any home they’re considering purchasing. The physical characteristics of a home are just one element of its value. So remember to take a look at what’s around it and how far it is from work and amenities within the community. Chat with people already living in the neighborhood to get their opinions on what it’s really like to live there.

For more information about Carroll County homes for sale, to find open houses in your area or find a Realtor, visit cbmove.com or contact the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Carroll County Regional office at 410.876.1666.