When it's time to start thinking about buying a house, there is likely one question on your mind: How do I find open houses near me?
This is a great question to ask yourself as you start the home buying process. That's because open houses are the perfect introduction to buying a home. Through them, you can learn so much about the property transfer process.
You can learn about home pricing in your desired future community, what features will be on your "must-have" and "deal breaker" lists, as well as how to effectively communicate with Realtors.
Because of this, we recommend attending local open houses for properties you might not even be interested in, just to practice. This way, when you are serious about a home, you are rehearsed and ready!
How do I find open houses near me?
The best way to find out about local open houses is through the internet. Simply run a quick Google search for "open houses near me" with your location turned on.
Looking for more specific results? Here's a great example: If you live in Boston, you might search "open houses Bunker Hill," or "open houses Cambridge this weekend," etc.
If you prefer a refined search from the start, all you have to do is use an online listing service—like Clever! Just pop in your zip code and an agent will soon be in touch about events in the area.
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However, just because the internet is a valuable tool, it doesn’t mean it's the only one. Another great way to find local open houses is to pop into a few local real estate offices and ask for a list of events on the horizon.
Finally, if you are relocating locally, you can visit the area you would like to move to. If you see homes for sale, you can glean open house information from their fliers. Alternatively, you can contact the homes’ agents to ask about any upcoming open houses.
How to Make the Most of Open Houses
You can make the most open houses simply by being, well, open.
Each house you walk into might not feel like your dream home right away. But always go into local open houses with an open mind. You never know what you can discover if you simply take a step back from your expectations and ask the right questions.
To make the most of an open house as a buyer, be sure to follow these steps:
1. Look for flaws in the home.
Ask yourself: Is this flaw caused by lack of care, or is it inherent in the home? This could be the difference between a dilapidated fence and a home without a detached garage.
This way, it will be easy for you to learn about your deal breakers and must-haves.
2. Engage the Realtor.
There is a lot of industry-specific lingo in the real estate world. The sooner you begin to learn the language, the better. The more Realtors you speak with, the better your intel will be.
Vocabulary aside, these conversations will also help you understand Realtor’s speech patterns and what information they are typically willing to share. This way, you can learn to ask specific questions to get the exact answers you want.
3. Pay attention to the community.
Don’t just consider a home by itself. Always consider its location and its community. The home of your dreams might not be worth it if it backs up to a freeway. Or maybe the home is in a perfect location near your job, but the local school has abysmal test scores.
When considering areas to attend open houses, always take into account things like proximity to public transportation and shopping, education, and noise pollution. The more open houses you go to, the more you will be able to hone in on these aspects of homes.
Final Thoughts on Finding Open Houses as Buyer
We cannot recommend attending "practice" open houses enough.
Take a moment to take a breath. Practice a few times. Hone your skills. Then go out there and nab the best house on the block.
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Ready to partner with a Realtor who knows about all the best open houses? The agents at Clever have the inside scoop on thousands of communities nationwide. Call us today at 1-833-2-CLEVER or fill out our online form to get started.
