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How to find open houses
There are many ways to find open houses near you. Some are obvious, and some take a little more legwork. These are all great ways to get started: Check real estate websites
Most listing websites make it easy to search for open houses based on criteria such as date and location. Some search platforms even allow you to create a list or itinerary on their mobile apps, making it easy to reference on the go. If you make a list ahead of time, double-check it the morning of the event to make sure nothing has changed. Sometimes a home will go under contract just before a scheduled open house, so the seller will cancel the event. Cruise the neighborhood
Spend an afternoon driving around neighborhoods where you’re interested in purchasing a home. Not only will you get a feel for the area’s vibe and character; you may be able to drop into a few open houses, as well. Look for open house signs to indicate a nearby listing. Ask your real estate agent
If you’re working with a , ask them to help you find open houses. Even if you plan to attend without your agent, they can recommend events that might be a good fit for you, including in neighborhoods you might not have considered. Look at social media
Many real estate agents and brokerages have established presences on popular social platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. These platforms have become a great place for real estate professionals to show off new listings and announce the details about upcoming open houses. If you’re house hunting, it can be helpful to follow local real estate agents or brokerages on social media. You can also try searching real estate related hashtags, like #openhouse and #homeforsale, on each social media platform. Search your local MLS
The , is a database of homes for sale in a particular geographic region. While access to the MLS is often limited to real estate agents and brokers, in some regions, anyone can view MLS listings without professional assistance. And some regional MLS databases have a “public-facing side” for consumers, including information about open houses.
Can anyone go to an open house
The short answer is yes. While you can bring your real estate agent along, you don’t need to have one with you to attend an open house. This makes it easier for you to see homes up close and at your own pace, without any sales pressure. “It can be helpful to go to an open house, even if you’ve already seen the home with your agent,” says Brendon DeSimone, branch manager and associate real estate broker at Houlihan Lawrence in Bedford, New York. “It’s a chance to go back on your own and go through it again. And, you can see what the neighborhood is like on a weekend.”
What to do at an open house
is one of the most enjoyable, low-pressure parts of house hunting. This is your chance to get a hands-on education on what homes in a particular neighborhood and price range might look like. Here are a few tips on what to do once you’re there: Make a day of it. The more homes you can see, the more confident you’ll feel when you finally do walk through the doors of “the one.” Take your time. Look past the home’s cosmetic appearance and think about its structure and condition. Consider how it compares with other homes you’ve seen. Scope out the area. Look around the neighborhood to see whether it seems like it would be a good fit for you and your family. Pay attention to nearby traffic, amenities, parks and schools, too. Ask questions. Feel free to ask the hosting real estate agent any questions about the property or the neighborhood. But don’t discuss your thoughts about the home with them. Keep information about your financial position to yourself as well. “You never know who’s listening at an open house,” Phipps says. “As a buyer, you want to observe everything, but don’t be too generous in sharing what you like or don’t like, or your value strategy. That could hurt your ability to negotiate later.” SHARE: Beth Braverman is an award-winning freelance journalist and content producer, writing mostly about personal finance, parenting and careers. Michele Petry is a senior editor for Bankrate, leading the site’s real estate content. John Stearns, CMC, CRMS is a Senior Mortgage Loan Originator with American Fidelity Mortgage. Related Articles