Open house sleuth skills

Here are the top five tips to getting the most out of your open house visit:

1. Pause and listen

While the pressure is on to tour the space in short time-slots, take the time to stop and listen. This is your time to envision living here. By taking in the silence, you are sure to hear if the house is plagued by any recurring noises. Should this be from internal issues, such as pipes, or the air space overhead, it will help you determine whether this issue is repairable or an absolute deal-breaker.

2. Look at the whole space

Take a closer look at the areas of the home often neglected in open house tours. Open the built-in wardrobes to see closet space, and if white-goods or other kitchen appliances are included with the property, see if they meet your expectations.

Use the open house to assess the space for any possible damage or flaws; don’t be afraid to move rugs or look behind wall hangings. It can be helpful to create a property inspection check-list before the viewing.

3. Ask the agent questions

The agent on-site is your connection to the seller, so use this resource to your full advantage. Ask for a short history of the home, enquire about how many owners the house has had and, if the house has only recently come to market, be sure to ask why. The agent’s responses will only give you half of the story, so pay attention as their facial expressions and body language.

4. Talk to the neighbours

Neighbours are known to be nosey, so come open house day it’s likely they will be hovering out front or taking a tour themselves. Strike up a conversation to find out more about the neighbourhood. This will give you a good indication of the market you are buying into, especially if they are long-standing neighbours or have only recently bought in the neighbourhood themselves.

5. Take notes

When you are on a house-hunt, it’s common to attend multiple open houses in one weekend. Make a list of non-negotiables and tick these off as you tour the house. Also write notes or take photos, so you can refer back to these at the end of the weekend. Make use of Domain App to help you plan your inspection schedule, so you don’t miss seeing any of the houses on your list.

By taking stock of a house – nooks, crannies and all – and its neighbourhood, you have a real opportunity to convert an open house into your next home.