Tips For Finding Open Houses Near You

Though shopping for your next home online is very convenient, visiting the property gives you much more information.

Open houses are an easy way to tour homes that could be right for you. It will give you more of an idea of the type of home you want and what is available in the neighborhood.

But when looking for open homes near you, how can you find them? Many people love to do online searches, but there are other methods.

We will look at how you can find open homes and what you should do when you are there.

What are Open Houses?

Some homes listed for sale have a scheduled event where anyone can view the home. An open house isn’t the same as a private showing, where potential buyers will have the full attention of the seller’s real estate agent.

If you visit an open house, you might be shown around by the Realtor or left to explore the home yourself.

For the seller, open houses today can be an excellent way to attract a buyer and give feedback to make the home more sellable.

Finding Open Houses Near You

A few options are available if you are looking for open houses today. Let’s take a look:

Online searches

Simply searching “open houses near me” could give you the answer you want. Many listing websites will provide details of open houses as well.

You might also find virtual open houses available for the area you are interested in. These 3D tours allow you to view the home in more detail without needing to make an appointment or wait for an open house event.

Real estate apps

Some real estate apps allow you to set alerts. These can alert you to new properties on the market, along with open houses.

Social media

Real estate agents will post on social media when planning an open house event. You can either follow agents that operate in the area or search “open house” and the name of the neighborhood you want to live in.

Yard signs

A more traditional way to find an open house is to check real estate yard signs. This will involve driving around the neighborhood and looking for open houses or simply contacting seller’s agents from the details on the sign.

Contacting local agents

You can contact real estate brokerages to find out about open houses directly. You can talk with local agents if you don’t have a real estate agent.

Call some local offices and ask if they have an open house list they can email you. Most real estate companies want your business and will be happy to do this.

However, expect them to ask for your contact details and put you in touch with one of their agents.

Working with a Realtor is Smart

If you work with a real estate agent, they will have access to the MLS (multiple listing service), which details upcoming open houses.

With a real estate agent helping you, it will make finding your ideal home much more straightforward. They should have the experience and knowledge to make finding suitable open houses simple.

Buying a home without a real estate agent can be a significant mistake.

What Should You Expect When Attending an Open House?

An open house works slightly differently from an individual showing. So, what do you need to know?

• Signing in. You will typically need to provide your name and contact information, and the agent will likely contact you later. Open houses are as much about agents prospecting for future business as they are for selling the home.
• Follow the rules. You might be required to remove your shoes when entering or wear a face mask during your visit. Remember, you are in someone's home and must abide by their rules.
• You won’t be the only potential buyer. There could be other potential buyers walking around the home simultaneously with you. Sometimes open houses can be crowded and make looking at the property more challenging.

How to Make the Most of an Open House

When you attend an open house, you must follow the rules required by the owner or the agent. But there are some things you should be doing to get the most out of your visit:

Scheduling is Essential

Open houses tend to be scheduled on weekends, so you might have a few to attend on the same day. You should allow at least 30 minutes to look around the home and talk to the real estate agent.

If the homes aren’t close by, you might need to consider travel time as well.

Taking photos Can Be Useful

You can take photos and notes, so you don’t confuse the homes you visit. This will better help you decide which home you prefer and avoid you making further inquiries on the wrong home.

Make sure you ask the listing agent if taking photography is okay. Don't assume anything.

Ask questions

You will notice things that weren’t obvious in the listing. The open house is your opportunity to ask the seller’s agent any questions.

Many resources online explain the best questions to ask at an open house. Take advantage and ask as many as you can think of. You'll likely come away with some excellent tidbits of information.

Final Thoughts on Finding Open Houses

You have many options to find an open house. Some of these options will be more effective than others for you. But however you find open houses, you can use them to help narrow down what is most important to you, even if you don’t find your dream home.