It’s that time of year where lots of buyers are heading out each weekend and walking through open houses. I have 4 tips for any buyers viewing open houses to ensure you’re using your time wisely on those tours.

1. Look Past The Decor:  It may be hard to do sometimes, but look past the style of the home the best you can.  What you really should be looking for is the floor plan, any signs of major issues like water stains, cracks in the basement, damage to inner or outer walls, the roof, etc.  These are the things that are going to cost you as the buyer.  The furniture and decor all go with the seller so no need to worry about that stuff. 
2. Ask The Agent Questions:  This is the best time to talk with the agent holding the open house.  Ask them questions that wouldn’t be listed on the MLS.  Why are the sellers moving?  Have the sellers received any offers?  What is the neighborhood like?  Is there a lot of noise or traffic?  Finding out these details helps you the buyer write a better offer.
3. Know The Competition:  Check out how busy the open house is.  This may tell you what you’re up against.
4. Bring A Notepad or Take Notes On Your Phone:  Viewing multiple open houses on the weekends can sometimes get confusing.  While walking around, write down the top 3 things you love about the house and the top 3 things you like least about the house.  This will become super helpful when deciding whether or not to make an offer.

Happy House Hunting!