Ah... Hawaii Open Houses: THE Sunday Event! This past Sunday I held an Open House for one of Randy Prothero's listings in Mililani. A 5 bdrm/2.5 bath single family home priced at $660,000,  and this home has 2683 sq/ft with a little over 7860 sq. ft land.

That morning I started to get ready with bunches of information, flyers, snacks, etc. (Randy made the flyers with both of us pictured......he as listor and me, the showing agent) That way there is no mistake who is showing the home and who is the listor.

So, how did the Open House go?

The Open House was NON STOP with interested buyers.  I sat down once (for about one minute and off to the races again!) While I was starting to close up at 5pm, three more groups came in to make a total of 21 groups (families, couples etc) that signed in. I also have a few possible leads...as well as big interest from two parties for this home.

We talk about how the housing statistics are invaluable if looked at by LOCAL and Neighborhood markets. The same goes for Open Houses. It will depend on the 'market' in your area. For Oahu, our neighborhoods jump from one to the next and it is just way to easy to look at properties on Sunday as well as with an agent.

Last year I compiled a post for Open Houses and the Rules While Attending and I am bringing the them back to life although I made a few changes to fine tune the 'rules'.

1) Look at properties in your price range! Make sure you are pre-qualified with a local lender (your agent most likely already made sure you have) and look at properties 10 -20 % above and below your price range. Looking at properties way above your price range (that you can't live without) will no doubt stick in your mind forever so be realistic. (or keep reading those Fine Homes and Estates magazines)

2) Remember, the agent who is holding the Open House could be the Sellers Agent or could be showing the home in case a buyer comes along who does not have their own agent.  A lot of home buyer's "believe" that they are going to "get a better deal" if they deal with the seller's agent directly.  The truth is that you are best represented by having your own agent (buyer's representative or buyer's agent)

3) Remove your shoes!  Wear slip on/off shoes. We all remove our shoes before entering a home here anyway but for those of you who just came from the Continental U.S. who are not used to this please have the courtesy to remove your shoes. 

4) Keep ahold of your children. Instruct them to not touch anything or wander around the yard by themselves. And a tip to all real estate agents..... tie up unruley kids (just kidding). That's what the snacks are for...offer the children a granola bar or a bottle of cool water!

5) Register in the guest book. But give your agent's card, phone number and email address. Otherwise, you will have every agent in the world calling and clogging up your email (unless you like a bunch of spam). I personally ask and also have a section in my guest register for "do you have an agent?"  and "Name of Agent". Then I can follow up with them and get feedback.

6)  Make a list of wants and needs.  And then compare it to the property.  Make notes! You'll know when you walk into "your" home if you use your head (needs) and heart (wants). Bring your camera and take additional pictures so you will KNOW which house had what.

7) Call your own realtor if you see a property you like and want to put in an offer!  Your agent will be able to speak to the seller's agent and get any special terms and addendums before writing up the offer. Resist the urge to talk to the seller's realtor and worse yet...the owner! Your own agent is the most valuable negotiating tool and bargaining power for your transaction.

8) Info on Traditional Loans.  Though there are "honest" loan officers/lenders that are "helping" with any questions regarding loans at an Open House, remember that the Open House is so you can view and get more information on the property and "feel" if this is the right home for you. If you already have a realtor then you most likely were already pre-qualified or pre-approved. If you tell the agent and loan officer you already have an agent and loan officer and they become pushy this is a red flag.

9) Take note of the neighborhood. Usually, Open Houses are on Sunday's and you will be able to check out the 'goings on' in the neighborhood because on weekends most families are at home. Noise? Dogs barking? Neighbors?

10) Be respectful and ask to use the restroom. It is understandable that guests may need to utilize the restroom but have respect for the home that is open to you for viewing and ask the showing agent or whoever is holding the Open House to use their restroom.

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Hope this list will be helpful in your search for your Hawaii Home and should you need additional information please do not hesitate to contact me!

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com