Prepare before Arriving at an Open House

It can be fun to go to an open house and inspect a home, but you need to be well prepared before you show up. Make sure you have plenty of time to look around and you aren’t rushed. Clear your mind of distractions so you don’t miss anything. When possible, you should go with your partner. One of you may notice things the other didn’t. Try to leave the kids with a friend or grandparent if possible too.

Explore in Depth

Focus your attention on the entire home, from the outside looking in. Go through each room and think about what it offers you and what it is lacking for your needs. Look in the cabinets and the cupboards so you get an idea of how much space it offers. Turn on the sink, check the burners on the stove, and flush the toilets. These are all essential things to consider when you inspect a quality home. Take an inventory outside too, such as the parking set up. If there isn’t a garage, will you have sufficient parking on the street close to your home? Take a look around the yard to make sure the lawn has been well maintained. Is there a storage shed or a place for a BBQ out back?

Listen as you Explore

Don’t discuss with your partner what you see as you go through the house. However, you should be listening to what others around you are talking about. Perhaps they noticed things – good or bad – you didn’t. Maybe they are willing to make an offer on the house or they are planning to leave because of something they noticed. Such information can help you decide if the home is a good fit for you or not.

Walk around the Neighbourhood

If you liked the home, go for a walk around the neighbourhood before you leave. This can be a prime time for you and your partner to discuss what you liked and didn’t like about the home. At the same time, it gives you a good feel about the type of environment and surroundings you will have, should you purchase that property. Trust your instincts too because they are usually more in tune than just the mind. If there is something you didn’t like about the place, you don’t have to justify it. Just keep on looking and you will know that ideal home when you find it. Then you will be glad you didn’t give in early and buy something else!