Looking At Real Estate (Phoenix, Surprise: relocate, for sale, trip)

[relocate07]

I am coming out to Phoenix at the end of this month to look at homes and areas. As I expected I am having a little trouble finding a real estate agent to show us some homes because we are not moving for another year or so. I totally understand this. I did have one agent say she would show me around if I would sign and agreement saying she was my agent, but I can't do this until I interview agents when I am ready to buy. My question is this: Are there enough open houses going on that my husband and I can just go check out some properties on our own without having to trouble an agent? i just want to get a feel for what the properties and areas are all about.

[WantingoutofAz]

There are definitely a lot of open houses going on right now. My husband and I were just commenting on how many open house signs were pointing down our street last week-end. It probably depends on what general area you are looking at though. And it seems to change from week-end to week-end. Different homes are open each week-end. Another idea is to look at houses on craigslist and if there are any you are interested in, set something up ahead of time to see the house when you are in town.

[relocate07]

One agent told me you have to have an agent represent you to even go into an open house or else you waive your rights to have an agent represent you if you buy. This sounds strange to me.

[AzDreamer]

You don't need an agent to check out an open house. Agents use these events to attract new clients. I go to open houses in my neighborhood all the time and I'm not buying or selling.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by relocate07

I am coming out to Phoenix at the end of this month to look at homes and areas. As I expected I am having a little trouble finding a real estate agent to show us some homes because we are not moving for another year or so. I totally understand this. I did have one agent say she would show me around if I would sign and agreement saying she was my agent, but I can't do this until I interview agents when I am ready to buy. My question is this: Are there enough open houses going on that my husband and I can just go check out some properties on our own without having to trouble an agent? i just want to get a feel for what the properties and areas are all about.

That's how they get you to stay with them and not waste their time and gas money. I was an agent but I would tell you not to sign an agreement upfront. If you find an agent and feel comfortable working with them, they should just except that you will continue to work with them. Check out realtor.com for listings or have an agent send you some listings and you can drive around on your own and when you want to see something call them and they will schedule and appt.

Good Luck!

[AZMonsoon]

There are about 40K homes on the market in the Phoenix area. That number does not even include new construction homes that are going up everywhere in the valley. You have options and are free to roam around from house to house without an agent.

[Boatdrinks]

There are MANY open houses every weekend. You'd have no problem finding some to check out. Also, you can check out all the builder model homes.

You do NOT need an agent to go into an open house. Agents may ask you to sign in - I often just use a fake name with no contact info b/c I don't want to be hounded by agents trying to get my business.

Builders usually say you need an agent with you on your first visit. But I wouldn't worry about that. They'll never remember you when you finally go back to buy. If a salesperson asks, just say you're out looking around and leave it at that.

You'll be totally fine without an agent. Just do lots of research online about neighborhoods, have a good map, and have fun!!

[vegaspilgrim]

On a related note... I am in college right now (ASU) and I am really interested in the real estate development and homebuilding industry as a potential career, and would love to walk through the models and talk to salesmen at the new home subdivision sites. Being that I'm in my early 20's, not exactly the typical buyer of brand new $300k homes, would I look funny walking into one of these sales offices?

[HollyhockGarden]

Hello -- I you you enjoy your trip to the Phoenix area to look at houses. As one of the posters mentioned, there are probably over 40,000 homes for sale right now, so there are lots of "for sale" signs to be found all over town. I would suggest you buy a Saturday and Sunday Arizona Republic newspaper, which has a nice real estate section. It will list the open houses by section of town and tells you which day the open house is. As a rule there are more open houses on Sunday than Saturday. It is perfectly all right to go in without a realtor. It is definitely more convenient to have the paper section because you can take it along with you in the car. And for the college student asking about going in model homes -- go on in! I have daughters 18 and 21 and they love to go into model homes. As a matter of fact, don't assume people your age are not buying homes. Several of my older daughter's classmates are already married and have moved into brand-new homes, which often are easier to qualify for than a resale home [because of builder financing,etc]. We know a couple of single young people who have also bought, after Grandma died and left an inheritance. The sales person at the model home center has no idea whether you are a young person who may happen to have an inheritance which will be used on a down payment, or indeed anything about you. Feel free to go and look! If you want a fun place to go [but it takes several hours] go see Marley Park model home village in Surprise. It is a fun way to spend the afternoon and there are so many people there no one bothers you. Better than the movies, and its free!