Did you know that only 7% of today’s buyers find their homes through open houses? Real estate pros and sellers alike are divided on this traditional marketing technique, but buyers often have a unique perspective. Before you start attending some open houses, here are a few pros and cons you’ll want to keep in mind.
Pro: You can scope out a neighborhood
Not sure if a community is right for you? If you’re on the fence about a specific area, attending an open house can help you make your decision. Before heading to the listing, you can even drive around to get a feel for what it’s really like to live there.
If you’re lucky, you might even run into a neighbor while you’re touring an open house. This is a great way to get an insider’s perspective on the neighborhood—and they probably won’t sugarcoat things, either. They can also tell you about the nearby amenities and cool spots that locals love.
Con: Analysis paralysis
Open houses offer plenty of convenience, which is definitely a perk. However, some buyers can get a little caught up in the excitement of it all. Just because you can attend as many open houses as you want doesn’t necessarily mean that you should!
While open houses are a great way to figure out what you want, analysis paralysis can take over after you’ve checked out dozens of properties. If you’re feeling a bit indecisive, it might be time to stop touring for a bit. Instead, focus on compiling a “wants” versus “needs” list and stick to scheduling showings with your agent.
Pro: There’s less pressure
After you’ve gone through the trouble of scheduling a showing with your agent, you might feel a little pressured to make up your mind right away. This isn’t the case with open houses!
When you attend an open house, you can scope out a place at your leisure. This means you can spend as much time as you want critiquing the kitchen or admiring that amazing foyer. The listing agent will also be on hand to answer any questions about the home, so don’t be afraid to approach them.
Con: You could start dreaming a little too big…
Let’s be honest—we all want to take a sneak peek inside some of the most gorgeous homes in our neighborhood when we see that “open house” sign. Being able to tour a property on a whim does have some perks, but checking out places that cost more than you can afford might have a detrimental effect on your search.
Although it is tempting to waltz into the biggest house on the block, only take a look if you can really afford it. Viewing homes outside of your budget might cause you to make rash decisions, and it can also make you feel a bit discouraged, too.
Ready to Learn More?
Regardless of where you stand on open houses, they offer some unique possibilities for buyers looking to make a move. If you’re getting ready to start your Crofton home search, I can’t wait to help you out! I’m always here to chat, so feel free to drop me a line with any questions.