Attending open houses are a great way for buyers to explore and narrow down potential neighborhoods and determine their likes and dislikes. Particularly in a hot market like Los Angeles, open houses can be overwhelming with a massive amount of potential buyers all anxious to get inside to see a home. Being prepared and organized before attending an open house can help ensure that you don't miss any key factors and have the best experience possible.
What are open houses?
When a seller decides to put their home on the market, an open house is a great way for them to attract a lot of potential home buyers. Open houses are conducted by a listing/selling agent or their associate. They are there to highlight the best features of the home and answer any questions you may have. For open houses, you won't need to make an appointment to see the home. You can freely attend during the posted hours, walk right in and explore.
Be prepared:
- Items to bring inside - Notebook + pen or a note-taking app, camera, and your agent's business card. **Remember to double-check with the listing agent to make sure that photographs are allowed.
- Your agent's business card - If your agent is unable to attend the open houses with you, make sure to carry their business cards with you and leave it with the listing agent at the check-in table. You can also write in your agent's name on the sign-in sheet. This prevents any misunderstandings further down the road if you decide to make an offer.
- Be prepared to remove your shoes - Many homeowners prefer that buyers either remove their shoes or wear provided booties so as to not track dirt into the home. The listing agent will advise you if shoe removal is necessary.
- Remember to refuel and hydrate - Sometimes listing agents have light appetizers and drinks at their open houses. Just in case they don't, make sure to bring water and snacks to munch on in the car between open houses so you have the most energy and focus while you are looking at all the details and features of the homes.
- New construction homes - When attending an open house or visiting a new home sales center, it's important to remember to contact your agent first so that they can find out if it is OK with the builder to view without them. The builder may not be required to honor your buyer's agent agreement after they've shown you the property without your agent. Avoid any future tricky situations by allowing your agent to contact the builder first to get all the showing details.
- Like a specific home? - Fantastic! Make sure to let your agent know before scheduling any possible future private showings with the listing agent. You will want to make sure that your agent handles any follow-up appointments so there is no question of buyer's representation and agent commission. If a listing agent tells you that you MUST work with them now since you didn't indicate you had an agent at the open house, DO NOT believe them. Rarely does this happen, but it can, so make sure to be clear upfront.
Breakout the handy-dandy checklist
Below is a list of items to consider when exploring a home at an open house or private showing. Some items may not be readily apparent when you are there or the listing agent may not have an answer for you. You can always have your agent follow up with the listing agent after the open house to ask any questions.
You can also print the list out here so that you can make sure you don't miss any key factors and have it handy at your next open house:
Open House & Home Tour Checklist:
• Location
• Does the neighborhood have the “right feel”?
• Walkability
• Commute time
• Age of home
• Architectural style
• Home square footage
• Lot size
• Proximity to neighboring homes
• Any amenities and upgrades
• Number of floors
• Does it have a conducive floorplan for your needs? Is it open or traditional?
• Views from various locations in the house
• Is there room to grow / potential to expand if necessary?
• Location / number / size of bedrooms
• Is there a master bedroom? Where is it located?
• Location / number / size of bathrooms
• Size of all rooms
• Remodeling opportunities
• Closet sizes
• Any additional storage spaces like a basement or attic?
• Garage and parking
• Pool and hot tubs
• Porch
• Decks
• Near a busy intersection
• Listen for noise level inside / outside home
• Public sewage or septic tank?
• Is there natural light?
• Age of the roof
• Age of the electric and plumbing systems
• Is the home retrofit / reinforced foundation?
• Age / type of heating system
• Proximity to parks and schools
• Proximity to shopping and entertainment
• Proximity to freeways and public transportation
• Exterior – Any major deferred maintenance?
• Landscaping – any trees causing damage to the home by protruding roots or overhanging branches?
ANOTHER HELPFUL TIP: In Los Angeles, public open houses are typically on Saturday and Sunday in 3-4 hour blocks and range between the hours of 11-5PM. Broker's open houses tend to be on Tuesday from 11-2PM.
To learn more about how to prepare yourself for buying, check out the Buyers Guide for helpful information on the home buying process.
