Open House Etiquette? (agent, sale, Realtors, state)
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Is it ok to go to open houses when not quite ready to buy? I'm about six months away from listing my current home and would like to get a feel for what is out there and what it costs, as well as to check out the competition. Do the agents hosting an open house ask questions? I don't think I could be dishonest, I'm a terrible liar
A lot of people who go to open houses are "curious" neighbors. Realtors know to expect looky-loos.
But if you know you will buy in the near future, you SHOULD be looking. As rrah said, be up front with the agent. The agent wants a buyer, so no need for them to spend their time trying to convert you into a sale if you aren't ready.
It's a good idea to get a feel for what houses in your targeted neighborhoods look like so that when you are ready to buy, you will know right away how the homes for sale then compare.
I've noticed that the agents on TV don't have visitors sign in, which was the procedure where we came from. You can probably slip in and out anonymously, if you want.
Even if you are not ready to buy, most agents would rather have you, or maybe just the snoopy neighbors, than nobody. The snoopers might tell someone else about the house that is interested. Or, you might have a nice rapport with the agent at an open house and use her services later.
Realtors spread a wide net in order to get business, so they welcome any opportunity to meet more people.
Is it ok to go to open houses when not quite ready to buy? I'm about six months away from listing my current home and would like to get a feel for what is out there and what it costs, as well as to check out the competition. Do the agents hosting an open house ask questions? I don't think I could be dishonest, I'm a terrible liar
Don't sweat it. Agents love potential future clients.
I've noticed that the agents on TV don't have visitors sign in, which was the procedure where we came from. You can probably slip in and out anonymously, if you want.
Even if you are not ready to buy, most agents would rather have you, or maybe just the snoopy neighbors, than nobody. The snoopers might tell someone else about the house that is interested. Or, you might have a nice rapport with the agent at an open house and use her services later.
Realtors spread a wide net in order to get business, so they welcome any opportunity to meet more people.
If they have you sign in, do what I do and make up a name and contact information.
Don't be ridiculous, brad. Either write your real name or tell the agent you would rather not leave it for fear of being hounded. No reason to make up info. But take their card to be nice and to keep on hand for the day you want to talk real estate.
We do it frequently, and by no means are in the market. We like to see what's for sale in our town. We're up front with the realtor that we are just looky-loos, so they don't need to waste too much time with us.
Thanks everyone! Can't wait to have my first look this weekend!!
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